Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Waymo, a subsidiary of Google, is set to launch its driverless ride-hailing service in Los Angeles, offering complimentary rides to early users.
The move comes seven months after California regulators permitted Waymo to operate its robotaxis in San Francisco, despite concerns from local officials regarding public safety risks.
Although initial rides in Los Angeles will be free of charge, Waymo plans to implement fare collection in the future, similar to its operations in San Francisco and Phoenix.
The free rides will cover a substantial 63-square-mile area, stretching from Santa Monica to downtown Los Angeles.
The California Public Utilities Commission approved Waymo's expansion, despite objections from city transportation officials regarding potential road obstructions and safety issues.
The decision follows safety concerns raised after a recent incident involving a pedestrian hit by a driverless vehicle in San Francisco, resulting in the suspension of another autonomous ride-hailing service.
Unlike some competitors, Waymo's robotaxis have not been involved in any major accidents, providing assurance to regulators and passengers alike.
Waymo's entry into Los Angeles marks another milestone in its journey to establish commercial robotaxi operations, with plans to extend services to Austin, Texas, in the near future.