Google's Waymo Prepared To Trial Robotaxi Services with Employees in Los Angeles

Alphabet Inc's GOOG GOOGL self-driving trucking unit Waymo proposed testing its autonomous Jaguar I-Paces without a human safety operator in Los Angeles in the next couple of weeks.
Initially, only employees could hail rides in the driverless robotaxis, TechCrunch reports.
Waymo's services will be available "outside of traditional rush hour times.
Also Read: Uber And Motional Tap Las Vegas For Their Collaborative Robotaxi Debut
While Waymo mapped several LA neighborhoods, including Downtown, Miracle Mile, Koreatown, and Westwood, since 2019, the company will start its rider-only testing in Santa Monica before gradually ramping up.
The move marked Waymo's commercializing robotaxi services in its second California city.
Last October, Waymo first shared plans to launch a 24/7 robotaxi service in LA.
In November, the California Department of Motor Vehicles granted Waymo a modification to its existing driverless testing permit to expand beyond San Francisco and into Los Angeles.
Waymo also bagged permission to begin charging for services, like delivery, driven fully autonomously in San Francisco.
Waymo still awaited the final permit from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to charge for driverless robotaxi services in San Francisco.
Waymo must win more permits before beginning an excellent commercial robotaxi service in LA.
Waymo also recently opened to members of the public fully autonomous rides from downtown Phoenix to the airport. The company has operated a paid robotaxi service in Chandler, just outside Phoenix, since 2020.
Last December, General Motors Co GM owned robotaxi completed its first paid rides for members of the public in Phoenix and Austin. Cruise, until then, only operated its ride-hailing service in San Francisco.
Price Action: GOOG shares traded higher by 0.30% at $90.37 premarket on the last check Tuesday.

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