Waymo begins staff-only autonomous freeway rides in San Francisco, signaling broader future plans
Bay Area – Leading autonomous car company Waymo has just made another significant advance in enhancing its robotaxi offering. Having lately expanded its operations outside the boundaries of San Francisco, the company has now started freeway rides inside San Francisco just for its staff. This initiative follows closely on the heels of their successful operations in Phoenix, Arizona.
The company revealed on X (previously known as Twitter) via a social media post that their staff members will now be able to use autonomous vehicles for interstate trips.
“After successful testing of our autonomous vehicles on Phoenix freeways, we’re expanding our operations. Starting today, our employees will also have access to fully autonomous rides on San Francisco freeways,” Waymo posted on X.
After successful testing of our autonomous vehicles on Phoenix freeways, we're expanding our operations. Starting today, our employees will also have access to fully autonomous rides on San Francisco freeways. pic.twitter.com/DzGdEgkm1U
— Waymo (@Waymo) August 12, 2024
Waymo highlighted the possibility for major time savings for hypothetical trips like one from Lake Merced to Oracle Park. This growth is evidence of the company’s confidence in the safety and efficiency of its developed technology, which has come from years of operational experience and significant testing in California and Arizona.
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A Waymo spokesman underlined the rigorous approach the business has kept in its efforts at growth.
“Like other expansions to our operations, we’re following the same processes outlined by our safety framework, informed by years of safe and proven experience operating fleets of rider-only vehicles on public roads across California and Arizona and millions of miles of experience,” Waymo spokesperson told CBS News Bay Area.
Following Waymo’s practice of progressive technology rollout, they said the first step will entail employee comments on the service and rider experience.
Now spanning a total of 55 square miles in the area, Waymo said last week that its services would extend to encompass the Peninsula towns of Daly City, Broadmoor, and Colma. There have been difficulties with this growth as well, though. Some San Mateo County officials have voiced concerns, pointing out inadequate Waymo notice of the changes, which fuels arguments for tighter local control of autonomous cars.
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Waymo has not said yet when it intends to provide general public freeway rides. Still, the current employee-only program signals a pivotal stage in service testing and improvement before a larger release is taken under consideration. Waymo’s innovations will likely significantly change urban mobility as autonomous technology develops, signaling a future in which driverless travel on congested city freeways is the standard.
