Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service area in San Francisco, despite protests from city residents

Alphabet subsidiary Waymo has expanded its service area in San Francisco, despite protests from the city's residents against the proliferation of robot taxis.

Here's What We Know

Waymo's service is now available in the vast majority of the city's neighbourhoods. Previously, the company limited the number of users in many Northeast neighbourhoods.

Waymo services are provided only to those who got on the waiting list. The service area so far includes Trager Island, one of the city's most diverse neighbourhoods.

The expansion comes months after the California Public Utilities Commission allowed commercial robotaxi service in San Francisco 24 hours a day.

However, city officials have asked for a review of that decision. In addition, rival Cruise has had to reduce its fleet due to a growing number of incidents.

Waymo operates about 250 cars in San Francisco, which is 22 per cent more than Cruise.

Go Deeper:

• Waymo and Cruise have been approved for 24-hour paid robotaxi rides in San Francisco
• Cruise and Waymo have seen a surge in downloads of their robotaxi ordering apps
• San Francisco seeks review of permits for Cruise and Waymo's robotaxi network expansion

Source: TechCrunch