Key points
- Waymo received permission to test its robotaxis at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
- The service will roll out in phases, starting with employee testing, followed by Bay Area riders. Initially, human drivers will be present as a safety precaution.
- This follows similar permits granted at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and San Jose Mineta International Airport.
- Waymo’s expansion at SFO builds on its existing robotaxi operations in the San Francisco Bay Area and other cities.
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle technology company owned by Alphabet, has secured a crucial permit to test its robotaxi service at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This announcement, made jointly by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and Waymo, marks a significant step forward for the company’s expansion in the Bay Area.
The phased rollout will commence with internal employee testing before being made available to the public. This signifies a gradual approach to integrating autonomous vehicles into a high-traffic, high-profile environment, such as SFO.
The initial phase will see human safety drivers accompanying passengers in the robotaxis, ensuring a seamless transition to fully autonomous operation. This layered approach prioritizes safety while allowing Waymo to gather valuable real-world data in a complex airport setting.
The eventual goal is to provide a fully driverless ride-hailing service connecting the airport to various destinations within the Bay Area. Waymo already operates its robotaxi service in parts of San Mateo County and San Francisco, but access to and from SFO has been previously restricted.
This latest permit adds to Waymo’s growing network of airport operations. The company successfully secured similar permits for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in 2022 and San Jose Mineta International Airport earlier this month. This expansion strategy indicates Waymo’s confidence in its technology and its commitment to integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday transportation infrastructure.
The move also demonstrates a collaborative effort between the company and local authorities to facilitate the responsible implementation of autonomous vehicles.
The news comes amidst similar efforts by other companies such as Tesla, which is testing its robotaxi service in Austin and exploring opportunities in the San Francisco Bay Area. However, Tesla’s current offerings lack the necessary regulatory approvals for fully autonomous operations.
Waymo’s progress at SFO highlights its lead in the autonomous vehicle race, particularly in securing the necessary permits and establishing successful partnerships with major transportation hubs.
