Waymo, the self-driving technology company that spun off from Google, is facing opposition as it seeks to expand its robot-driven taxi service in the Bay Area of California. The company recently submitted a proposal to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to expand its service from San Francisco to the Peninsula, but local authorities and lawmakers are challenging the idea.
The controversy stems from concerns about the safety and disruption caused by autonomous vehicles operating alongside traditional cars and emergency responders. David Canepa, vice-president of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, questions why cities and counties should allow robotaxis to operate without any local control. Canepa’s objection highlights a wider dispute between state and local authorities over the decision-making power regarding robotaxi operations.
In response to the opposition, California state Senator Dave Cortese introduced a bill that would transfer the authority to grant permits for robotaxi operations to local governments. This bill would give local authorities the ability to enact new ordinances governing autonomous taxis.
Waymo submitted its proposal to the CPUC, stating that its vehicles are approved for use on various road types, including freeways, highways, city streets, and parking lots. However, concerns remain about the safety of autonomous vehicles operating at high speeds. Phil Koopman, an engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon University, warns about the increased risk of fatalities in crashes when vehicles are traveling above 30 to 35 miles per hour.
While Waymo continues to operate approximately 100 robotaxis in San Francisco, reports indicate that there have been incidents where these vehicles have interfered with emergency responders. San Francisco city data shows that General Motors’ Cruise was responsible for two-thirds of such incidents, while Waymo accounted for one-third. This raises questions about Waymo’s commitment to public safety.
The expansion proposal is currently open for objections, and the CPUC will assess the proposal in the coming weeks or months. The outcome will heavily depend on staff assessments and any objections raised during this period.
As the debate continues between local and state authorities, it remains to be seen how Waymo’s expansion plans will progress and what measures will be put in place to ensure the safe integration of autonomous vehicles on California’s roads.
FAQ:
Q: What is Waymo?
A: Waymo is a self-driving technology company that was spun off from Google.
Q: Where is Waymo seeking to expand its robot-driven taxi service?
A: Waymo is seeking to expand its service from San Francisco to the Peninsula in the Bay Area of California.
Q: Why are local authorities and lawmakers opposing Waymo’s expansion?
A: Local authorities and lawmakers are concerned about the safety and disruption caused by autonomous vehicles operating alongside traditional cars and emergency responders.
Q: What is the wider dispute between state and local authorities regarding robotaxi operations?
A: The dispute revolves around the decision-making power regarding robotaxi operations, with local authorities questioning why they should allow robotaxis to operate without any local control.
Q: What bill has been introduced in response to the opposition?
A: California state Senator Dave Cortese has introduced a bill that would transfer the authority to grant permits for robotaxi operations to local governments.
Q: What is the concern about the safety of autonomous vehicles operating at high speeds?
A: There are concerns about the increased risk of fatalities in crashes when autonomous vehicles are traveling above 30 to 35 miles per hour.
Q: Have there been incidents involving Waymo’s robotaxis interfering with emergency responders?
A: Yes, there have been incidents where Waymo’s vehicles have interfered with emergency responders, though General Motors’ Cruise was responsible for the majority of such incidents according to San Francisco city data.
Key terms:
– Waymo: A self-driving technology company that spun off from Google.
– Robotaxi: A taxi service that uses autonomous vehicles.
– CPUC: California Public Utilities Commission.
Related Links:
– Waymo Official Website
– California Public Utilities Commission Website
The source of the article is from the blog krama.net