UPDATE: Waymo has just been granted approval to expand its driverless robotaxi service into the East Bay, North Bay, and Sacramento areas, according to an announcement from the California Department of Motor Vehicles on Friday. This significant expansion allows the Google spinoff, owned by Alphabet, to extend its reach across the entire Bay Area, northward to Cloverdale, and eastward to Sacramento.
This development is expected to bring autonomous ride-hailing options to more Californians, enhancing mobility in these regions. “We’re looking forward to opening our service to more Californians,” Waymo stated in a press release.
While a specific timeline for the rollout remains unclear, a spokesperson for the Mountain View-based company emphasized that this expansion is a crucial step towards serving a broader area. Earlier this month, Waymo launched driverless robotaxi services on Peninsula freeways and connecting to Mineta San Jose International Airport. This earlier expansion already included significant parts of San Jose and the Peninsula.
Additionally, in September, Waymo received a pilot permit to start operating at San Francisco International Airport, further extending its service footprint.
As Waymo continues to roll out its services, residents in these newly added areas can anticipate enhanced transportation options that promise safety and convenience with the latest in autonomous vehicle technology.
Stay tuned for further updates as Waymo prepares to transform the way Californians travel. This expansion not only marks a pivotal moment for the company but also sets the stage for the future of urban mobility across the state.
