The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved operating authority for Cruise and Waymo self-driving vehicles in San Francisco. The approval includes charging fares for rides at any time of day. The requirements for self-driving ride share services were set by CPUC in 2020 and met by both companies. Prior to this decision, both Cruise and Waymo had operated in limited portions of the city under limited timing.
Both companies have been operating in San Francisco and other areas with specified limitations:
- Cruise was authorized to offer fared passenger service in limited areas of San Francisco from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. without a safety driver present, fared passenger service throughout San Francisco at any time with a safety driver present, and non-fared passenger service throughout San Francisco at any time without a safety driver present.
- Waymo was authorized to offer fared passenger service throughout San Francisco at any time with a safety driver present and non-fared passenger service throughout San Francisco at any time without a safety driver present. Waymo is also authorized to offer non-fared passenger service in parts of Los Angeles and in and around Mountain View with or without a safety driver present.
While we do not yet have the data to judge AVs against the standard human drivers are setting, I do believe in the potential of this technology to increase safety on the roadway. Collaboration between key stakeholders in the industry and the first responder community will be vital in resolving issues as they arise in this innovative, emerging technology space. —CPUC Commissioner John Reynolds
The CPUC permit is distinct from the California Department of Motor Vehicles permits required for autonomous vehicle operations.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.