San Francisco Approves Waymo's Autonomous Vehicles for Market Street

Mayor Daniel Lurie authorizes mapping and summer launch of driverless ride-hailing on the car-free corridor as part of downtown revitalization efforts.

Waymo will begin mapping Market Street in the coming weeks to prepare for the launch of its autonomous ride-hailing service this summer.
The decision aims to support downtown San Francisco's economic recovery by enhancing access to businesses and cultural destinations along Market Street.
Private vehicles, Ubers, and Lyfts remain prohibited on the car-free section of Market Street, with Waymo joining buses and taxis as permitted vehicles.
Advocacy groups, including Walk San Francisco and Kid Safe SF, have raised concerns about pedestrian safety and the potential erosion of the car-free environment.
Mayor Lurie emphasized that the initiative is intended to supplement existing public transit and taxis, not replace them, as part of a broader transportation strategy.

The San Francisco Standard

San Francisco Chronicle