Waymo’s robotaxis have become a familiar sight on the streets of Los Angeles. The driverless vehicles are now set to navigate the city’s extensive freeway network.
The autonomous vehicle division of Alphabet announced on Tuesday its plans to commence trials of its robotaxi fleet on Los Angeles freeways, which encompass Interstates 10, 110, 405, and 90.
These autonomous taxis will not have a human safety driver present. Waymo intends to adhere to the same testing-to-commercial service approach it has implemented in other regions. Initially, the company will allow its employees to use these driverless vehicles on freeway routes, before eventually opening access to the public.
Accessing freeways is crucial for Waymo’s operational success, especially in expansive cities like Phoenix and Los Angeles, where it currently operates. Riders may prefer Waymo over competitors if the robotaxis can traverse the quickest routes, often enabled by freeway access.
For instance, Waymo highlighted that a trip from Santa Monica Pier to The Broad can be accomplished in half the time by utilizing Interstate 10.
Since 2019, Waymo has been mapping various neighborhoods in Los Angeles, including areas like downtown, Miracle Mile, Koreatown, Santa Monica, Westwood, and West Hollywood. In 2022, the firm declared Los Angeles as one of its upcoming commercial markets, joining Phoenix and San Francisco.
In March 2024, Waymo received permission from the California Public Utilities Commission to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Los Angeles, along with expanded operations in the Bay Area, which now includes the San Francisco Peninsula and its freeways.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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