Waymo and Cruise have been approved for 24-hour paid robotaxi rides in San Francisco

Waymo and Cruise have received approval from California (US) regulators to provide paid robotaxi passenger transport services at all hours of the day and night in San Francisco.

Here's What We Know

The decision was passed with three votes in favour and one against. It is reported that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) took into account public comments on vehicle safety.

Waymo currently operates 200 unmanned vehicles in San Francisco, while Cruise operates 300 vehicles. Before the CPUC's decision, the companies could only offer paid passenger rides in certain areas of the city between 10pm and 6am without a driver behind the wheel and 24/7 with a safety operator.

Previously, both manufacturers launched a broad campaign in support of robotaxis in San Francisco. In July, Cruise commissioned full-page ads in major California newspapers calling humans bad drivers.

Go Deeper:

• A viral video of a "reckless" robotaxi in San Francisco has sparked a storm of outrage
• Cruise expands unmanned transportation service in Phoenix, pushing into Waymo territory
• Opponents of robotaxis in San Francisco have declared war on unmanned cars

Source: Engadget