The Waymo robotaxi expansion just took a big step forward. California regulators have approved the company’s plan to operate in more areas of the San Francisco Peninsula, including San Jose.
While the approval gives Waymo the green light, the company won’t launch in these new areas immediately. “We want to bring Waymo One to more of the Bay Area,” said a spokesperson. “Any expansion of the service will happen methodically over time.” No specific date has been announced.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) granted the request after reviewing 23 public comments in support. No objections were filed, marking a smooth process compared to what some competitors have faced.
This Waymo robotaxi expansion comes just ahead of Tesla’s upcoming robotaxi launch in Austin, Texas. CEO Elon Musk said Tesla plans to expand that service into California later this year, adding pressure to existing players like Waymo.
Waymo currently operates over 1,500 self-driving vehicles across San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin. The company runs more than 250,000 rides per week, making it the only U.S. firm offering paid rides in fully autonomous vehicles.
However, concerns around safety remain. Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Waymo would recall over 1,200 vehicles to address software issues. These updates aim to reduce the risk of collisions with fixed obstacles such as gates and chains.
Regulators are also closely watching Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. NHTSA is investigating how Tesla’s technology performs in low-visibility conditions. It has also asked Tesla to explain its robotaxi plans to better understand how the cars will handle poor weather and safety challenges.
This sector has been under increased scrutiny since a major crash in 2023 involving GM’s Cruise robotaxi. That incident forced Cruise to shut down operations. In contrast, Waymo has expanded gradually, which may help it avoid similar pitfalls.
For now, the Waymo robotaxi expansion is a sign that the company remains committed to cautious growth. By focusing on safe, phased rollouts, Waymo aims to build long-term trust while scaling its autonomous services.
