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5mo ago

Waymo Awaits CPUC Decision on Expanding Robotaxi Service to San Jose and South Bay

California DMV has approved the expansion, with strong endorsements from local leaders and organizations, as CPUC reviews Waymo's safety plan.

A client climbs into a Waymo vehicle on Harrison St. in San Francisco in 2024. The company wants to expand service in the South Bay.
Passengers ride in an electric Jaguar I-PACE car outfitted with Waymo full self-driving technology in Santa Monica, California, Feb. 21, 2023.
A Waymo exits Cypress Lawn in Colma, California, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, the first day the driverless taxi company extended service to the north peninsula cities of Daly City, Colma and Broadmoor. (Karl Mondon/ Bay Area News Group)(Karl Mondon/ Bay Area News Group)

Overview

  • Waymo has applied to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for approval to expand its autonomous robotaxi service to San Jose and surrounding South Bay cities.
  • The California Department of Motor Vehicles granted approval for the expansion on March 17, 2025, leaving CPUC's review as the final regulatory hurdle.
  • San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Congressman Sam Liccardo have publicly supported the expansion, citing safety improvements, economic benefits, and enhanced transportation options.
  • Organizations like the Bay Area Council and LifeMoves have endorsed the expansion, emphasizing its potential to improve mobility and provide reliable transit for underserved communities.
  • Waymo's robotaxi service has already generated $40 million in economic activity since launching in the Bay Area in late 2022, according to Mayor Mahan.