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16h ago

Waymo Secures Approval for Autonomous Ride-Hailing in San Jose

The CPUC's decision marks the final regulatory step, but Waymo plans a cautious rollout in collaboration with the community.

A person is seen working next to a Waymo car in a lot at 350 Pacific Avenue on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in San Francisco. Waymo said Monday it received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to expand to the South Bay and most of San Jose.
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Overview

  • The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved Waymo to operate fully autonomous commercial ride-hailing services in nearly all of San Jose.
  • This approval follows an earlier DMV permit requiring stringent safety and accessibility compliance for public street operations in the city.
  • Waymo stated that there will be no immediate operational changes, with expansions to proceed methodically over time in partnership with local stakeholders.
  • San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan called the approval the 'final step' for Waymo's entry into the city, highlighting its potential to improve transportation and safety.
  • Waymo currently offers driverless taxi services in San Francisco, parts of the Peninsula, and Silicon Valley cities like Mountain View and Sunnyvale.