Robotaxi operators will be allowed to charge fares for driverless rides in California under a plan approved by the state Public Utilities Commission on Thursday.
Driverless robotaxis have begun operating small-scale commercial services in Arizona, Las Vegas, Shanghai, Singapore and elsewhere. The CPUC ruling would put California on that list. The question is when. Waymo already is running a pilot program in Silicon Valley that ferries Waymo employees from building to building in robotaxis but doesn’t charge fares. General Motors’ Cruise said it would offer commercial robotaxi rides in San Francisco as soon as the CPUC allowed.
The CPUC ruling requires a would-be robotaxi company to receive approval from the DMV before it begins the application process with the CPUC through what’s called a “Tier 3 Advice Letter” process, the process used to approve rates for energy utilities and water and sewer operations. The process can take months to years.