Waymo has received state approval to expand its driverless passenger service across 18 California counties, including new areas in the Bay Area, but has not yet announced when rides will begin in the newly authorized locations
Waymo has received approval from California regulators to expand its driverless passenger service to a much larger area, covering parts of 18 counties across the state. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) granted the company permission to operate its autonomous ride-hailing service in new regions, including additional Bay Area communities, though Waymo has not yet set a start date for passenger trips in these locations.
The expanded territory includes areas where Waymo already operates, such as San Francisco, and now extends into newly authorized zones in Contra Costa, Sonoma, and Napa counties. The full list of counties covered by the CPUC approval includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Napa, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Ventura, and Yolo.
Regulatory Approvals and Service Area
This move follows a separate authorization from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which allows Waymo to operate autonomous vehicles without a human driver on public roads. The DMV's approval specifically covers several Sonoma County communities-such as Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Windsor, Sebastopol, Cloverdale, Cotati, and Rohnert Park-as well as Napa County cities including Napa, American Canyon, Calistoga, St. Helena, and Yountville.
The CPUC regulates the passenger service aspect, granting companies like Waymo the authority to transport members of the public in driverless vehicles. The DMV, on the other hand, oversees the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads. Both approvals are required before a company can offer commercial driverless rides to the public.
What Residents Should Know
Although Waymo now has the necessary state approvals, the company has not announced when it will begin offering rides in the newly authorized counties. According to the CPUC, approval does not guarantee immediate service; Waymo can roll out its operations incrementally as it expands its fleet and infrastructure.
Lobbying groups have weighed in on the regulatory process, with organizations like the Consumer Choice Center urging states to support autonomous vehicle expansion. California is considered one of the more permissive states for autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, including for heavy-duty vehicles. However, some state lawmakers and unions have called for tighter controls on autonomous delivery vehicles, especially those delivering goods directly to homes and businesses.
Context: How Autonomous Vehicle Expansion Works
Waymo's expansion into new counties is part of a broader trend as autonomous vehicle companies seek to increase their service areas. The regulatory process in California requires separate approvals for vehicle operation (from the DMV) and for carrying passengers (from the CPUC). Even after both approvals are granted, companies typically introduce service gradually, starting with limited areas and hours before expanding further.
As of now, residents in the newly approved counties should expect to see Waymo vehicles on the road as the company prepares for eventual passenger service. The timeline for when rides will be available depends on Waymo's operational readiness and further announcements from the company.
