CALIFORNIA — The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Waymo have agreed to extend the review period for Waymo's application to expand its driverless taxi service through September 25, 2024. Waymo's application includes plans to add its new Ojai vehicles to its fleet and begin charging for rides in these vehicles.

Waymo had submitted its application to the CPUC in January to expand its service area. The proposed Northern California expansion spans from Sea Ranch and Sacramento south through Berkeley, Oakland, and San Jose. In Southern California, the expansion includes areas past Los Angeles into Thousand Oaks and Santa Clarita, and extends down to the Tijuana border past San Diego.

In May, the CPUC asked Waymo for additional information concerning its responses to emergency incidents. The commission cited a December 2023 power outage in San Francisco that left more than 60 Waymo vehicles stranded in traffic as an example requiring clarification on emergency protocols. Another incident cited involved Waymo vehicles getting stuck in traffic during Fourth of July celebrations, with some vehicles remaining until their batteries depleted. One Waymo vehicle was observed driving into fireworks during the Fourth of July celebrations. Some Waymo vehicles have also driven into flooded roadways during extreme weather events.

The CPUC also requested details on how Waymo ensures unaccompanied minors do not ride in its vehicles. Transporting unaccompanied minors in Waymo vehicles violates California state law. A labor union representing ride-hail drivers had previously filed a formal complaint with the CPUC regarding this issue. Waymo spokesperson Ethan Teicher stated the company would not begin charging for rides in its Ojai vehicles until the CPUC approves its application. Teicher added, "We are also waiting to charge for the rides until we are satisfied with the progress made through our Trusted Tester availability in California and Arizona."

Terrie Prosper, a spokesperson for the California Public Utilities Commission, stated, "Waymo’s request is still under review, and the elements requested for approval have not been authorized." The Ojai is Waymo's first purpose-built driverless taxi vehicle. It features a steering wheel, brake pedals, 13 cameras, six radar systems, and four lidar sensors. The vehicle is manufactured by the Chinese company Zeekr, though Waymo maintains that the connected systems are built and added in the U.S., which avoids a ban on Chinese-connected automotive technology. California law requires companies to obtain approval from the state Department of Motor Vehicles to operate autonomous vehicles and permission from the CPUC to carry paying passengers in them.