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SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Those white Jaguars, which seem to be everywhere in San Francisco, will soon be heading to new destinations across California.
Waymo has received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to significantly expand its autonomous ride-hailing service across the Bay Area and Los Angeles.
The company announced the decision in a post on X, saying the new authorization clears the way for broader robotaxi operations beyond its current service area, which stretches from San Francisco south through the Peninsula to San Jose.
Under the expansion, Waymo will be permitted to operate throughout the Bay Area, from Brentwood in the East Bay to Sea Ranch in Sonoma County.
MORE: DMV greenlights Waymo driverless taxis to expand services across Bay Area and beyond
Services will also soon be brought to Sacramento and San Diego.
But experts caution that riders should not expect the service to appear everywhere overnight.
“While they have clearance to drive throughout the Bay Area and Los Angeles, it’s not going to happen all at once,” said Scott Moura, a UC Berkeley civil engineering professor who specializes in autonomous vehicle technology.
Moura said a gradual rollout will allow Waymo to address challenges that may arise in new driving environments.
“It will be interesting to see how they perform on highways, going across bridges, in rural areas where maybe you don’t have connectivity,” Moura said. “So, there might be growing pains.”
The CPUC approval comes after several high-profile incidents involving Waymo vehicles in San Francisco. During Fourth of July celebrations, multiple autonomous vehicles became stalled in traffic, blocking city streets and drawing public criticism.
MORE: SF may soon fine autonomous vehicle companies for impeding emergency response
Waymo has also adjusted operations during major events. The company restricted service near Golden Gate Park during the Outside Lands music festival to help manage traffic and safety concerns.
Despite those setbacks, experts say autonomous vehicle technology is continuing to gain a foothold and is likely to play an increasing role in transportation across California.
Moura said public engagement will be important as the technology expands.
“Everyone should ask questions about this. Be skeptical. Be curious,” he said. “These only make sense if they provide value to the community, and if they provide safety.”
Waymo says it will roll out the expansion gradually, guided by the company’s safety framework, as it brings driverless ride-hailing service to more communities throughout Northern California.
In a statement, Waymo said: “We look forward to bringing the same mobility and safety benefits millions of Californians already enjoy to more communities, keeping local officials and residents informed every step of the way.”
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