(Credit: Mario Tama/Staff/Getty Images)
Waymo will test its driverless robotaxis on San Francisco freeways this week.
The service will initially be limited to employees, the Alphabet-owned company announced on X.
"Just as we've taken a gradual approach to rolling out our technology in the past, we will start by offering Waymo employees rider-only trips on freeways in San Francisco, during which employees will provide feedback on the service and rider experience," Waymo told CBS.
California regulators granted Waymo a permit to run robotaxis on San Francisco freeways, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Peninsula in March. But Waymo has thus far only tested its robotaxis on freeways in Phoenix.
Last week, Waymo expanded its service area in San Francisco and Los Angeles. "We’re bringing Waymo One to the San Francisco Peninsula for the first time, adding Daly City, Broadmoor, and Colma to our existing, round-the-clock public ride-hailing service." The LA expansion includes Marina del Rey, Mar Vista, Playa Vista, and more of Hollywood, Chinatown, and Westwood.
The company is reportedly working on getting permits to operate at the San Francisco Airport, which requires approval from the San Francisco Airport Commission.
Some San Francisco residents may not welcome a Waymo expansion. Those living in the SOMA neighborhood complained that the driverless cars kept them awake by honking in a nearby parking lot all night. Waymo has promised a fix.