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California PUC Approves Waymo Nationwide Robotaxi Expansion

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The California Public Utilities Commission approved Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing expansion nationwide.
The approval lets Waymo scale its robotaxi service in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, with no launch timeline given.
Waymo recalled nearly 4,000 robotaxis in June after the NHTSA reported over a dozen incidents of vehicles entering closed freeway construction zones at speed.
The company also began early Chicago groundwork, conducting mapping and manual vehicle testing.

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Story summary

The California Public Utilities Commission approved Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing expansion nationwide.
The approval lets Waymo scale its robotaxi service in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, with no launch timeline given.
Waymo recalled nearly 4,000 robotaxis in June after the NHTSA reported over a dozen incidents of vehicles entering closed freeway construction zones at speed.
The company also began early Chicago groundwork, conducting mapping and manual vehicle testing.