The autonomous driving division of Alphabet, Waymo, has announced plans to begin testing its fully autonomous Jaguar I-Paces in Los Angeles without a human safety operator. This move marks the next phase in Waymo’s effort to commercialize robotaxis in its second California city after previously testing in cities like Downtown LA, Miracle Mile, Koreatown, and Westwood since 2019.
Initial Testing Phases
Initially, only employees will be permitted to hail rides in the driverless vehicles. Waymo has been mapping several Los Angeles neighborhoods, including Downtown, Miracle Mile, Koreatown, and Westwood, as part of its autonomous driving research efforts. The company is set to start rider-only testing in Santa Monica before gradually ramping up operations.
Regulatory approvals and Services
A spokesperson for Waymo confirmed to TechCrunch that rides will be available "outside of traditional rush hour times." The company previously announced plans to launch a 24/7 robotaxi service in Los Angeles earlier this year. At the time, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) granted Waymo a modification to its existing driverless testing permit, allowing it to expand beyond San Francisco into Los Angeles.
At that time, the DMV also permitted Waymo to begin charging for services in San Francisco when fully autonomous vehicles were in operation. However, today, Waymo operates a commercial robotaxi service in the city, but passengers are only charged for rides when a human safety operator is present in the front seat.
Future Expansion and Challenges
Waymo faces significant regulatory hurdles as it aims to fully transition to driverless operations. The company is currently working toward securing the necessary permits to expand its services beyond rider-only testing into full autonomous operation. Once all required approvals are obtained, Waymo plans to introduce its robotaxis in Los Angeles.
Background on Rebecca Bellan
Rebecca Bellan has been serving as a transportation reporter for the past year, focusing on the latest developments in electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous technology, and innovative transportation solutions. Her work provides valuable insights into the industry’s progress toward sustainable mobility solutions.
Related Stories
-
Autonomous Driving Technology: Waymo continues to advance its autonomous driving technology with ongoing research and testing in multiple cities across the U.S.
-
Challenges Ahead: The company is currently addressing technical challenges, including improving navigation systems and ensuring passenger safety in fully autonomous environments.
-
Regulatory Updates: Recent regulatory approvals have paved the way for Waymo’s expansion into new markets, but full commercialization will require additional approvals and compliance with stringent safety standards.
Waymo’s ambitious plans to expand its autonomous vehicle service into Los Angeles signal a significant step forward in the industry’s quest toward fully autonomous transportation. While challenges remain, the company’s continued innovation and regulatory advancements position it as a leader in the autonomous driving space.
