Full Breakdown
Waymo Gains CPUC Approval to Expand Driverless Ride-Hailing Across California
8/15/2026, 8:43:48 PM
Expansion Approval and Service Area
The California Public Utilities Commission approved Waymo’s request to operate fully autonomous commercial ride-hailing services in 18 counties, adding San Diego and Sacramento to the company’s existing footprint in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Marin, Napa, Orange, Riverside and other regions. The approval will more than triple the area where Waymo’s robotaxis can run, extending from Santa Clarita and Thousand Oaks in the south to San Diego, and from Sacramento down to San Jose in the north.
Background and New Vehicle
Waymo introduced the Ojai, a larger, lower-cost self-driving taxi, on May 27 when it drove along Venice Beach. The Ojai replaces the retrofitted Jaguar I-Pace models previously used and is marketed as better suited for varied road conditions, including snow.
Official Statements & Responses
The firm emphasized that its immediate focus is to prepare a rider-only service in San Diego later this summer while continuing to validate the technology in Sacramento.
Data & Statistics
- Waymo’s fleet has logged more than 220 million fully autonomous miles.
- The company claims its vehicles are involved in an estimated 94 % fewer collisions that cause serious injuries compared with industry averages.
- The newly approved service area spans 18 counties, effectively tripling the company’s operational coverage in California.
What’s Next
Waymo has not set a specific launch date for San Diego, noting only that service is targeted for “later this summer.” Validation testing in Sacramento will continue, but the company declined to provide an immediate timeline for public rider availability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — San Francisco. Business Waymo
- “While Waymo is receiving its permits today, expansion will be gradual and guided by its safety framework,” — San Francisco. Business Waymo
