California temporarily suspended Waymo’s robotaxi expansion

Waymo’s application to expand its robotaxi service in Los Angeles and San Mateo counties has been suspended for 120 days by the California Public Utilities Commission’s Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division (CPED). Company can still operate driverless vehicles in San Francisco, but further expansion is on hold until June 2024. According to the CPED, the application has been suspended for additional staff review.

Waymo clarifies that this suspension is a standard procedural step in the CPUC’s thorough review process. However, David J. Canepa, Vice President of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, contends that Waymo has failed to engage in meaningful discussions about expanding into Silicon Valley, prompting the CPUC to suspend the application. Canepa sees this as an opportunity to address genuine concerns regarding public safety.

Waymo currently operates a commercial service round-the-clock in San Francisco and is permitted to offer free driverless rides in certain parts of Los Angeles. In January, Waymo submitted a document to the CPUC’s Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division, seeking approval of its updated safety plan and an expansion areas where its robotaxi vehicles can operate.

Various entities, including the city of South San Francisco, the Los Angeles County Department of Transportation, and the San Francisco Taxi Workers Alliance, have expressed opposition to Waymo’s expansion plans.