Waymo awaits operating license for driverless services in Los Angeles

Waymo, Alphabet Inc.’s liberated driving unit, said it had applied to the California Public Utilities Commission on Friday to extend its driverless service in Los Angeles.

Introduction:

Waymo, a leading autonomous vehicle company, is seeking an operating license to expand its ride-hailing services in Los Angeles, California’s largest city. The current testing phase in the city allows rides only by invitation, and securing a license would enable Waymo to operate its fleet fully.

Expanding Operations:

Waymo, known for its extensive operations in San Francisco, aims to collaborate with Los Angeles policymakers, first responders, and community organizations to facilitate the launch of its ride-hailing service. 

While the company did not specify a timeline for the service’s commencement, it expressed its commitment to working closely with local stakeholders.

License Request:

The California Public Utilities Commission is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing ride-hailing services in the state. Waymo’s application for an operating license is currently under consideration, and the commission has not yet provided a response to media inquiries.

Autonomous Testing and Expansion:

Waymo has been actively expanding its autonomous testing initiatives. Earlier this month, the company announced plans to test fully autonomous passenger cars without a human driver on freeways in Phoenix, Arizona. 

This expansion aligns with Waymo’s broader goal of operating in additional cities, including Austin, Texas.

Commercial Trucking Technology Delay:

It’s worth noting that Waymo faced delays in its efforts to develop commercial autonomous trucking technology, particularly as regulatory scrutiny intensified. The company decided to postpone its autonomous trucking endeavors amid broader challenges in the regulatory landscape.

Industry Landscape:

Waymo’s pursuit of an operating license in Los Angeles comes against the backdrop of evolving regulations and challenges in the autonomous vehicle industry. 

Other players, such as General Motors’ Cruise unit, temporarily halted certain operations last year following an incident that led to regulatory scrutiny of driverless vehicle operations.

As Waymo navigates regulatory processes and expands its services, the broader autonomous vehicle industry continues to grapple with the complex intersection of technology, regulation, and safety considerations.