SF Chronicle – Waymo approved to operate robotaxis at its first major California airport. It’s not SFO
SF Chronicle reports that Waymo robotaxis will be serving San Jose airport
Robotaxi.news
Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
Robotaxi.news
Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
Politics
Cars, being fast moving and heavy, are quite dangerous. They should be well regulated for safety. But it turns out regulations can be bought and paid for by lobbying money…
Read MoreSF Chronicle – Waymo approved to operate robotaxis at its first major California airport. It’s not SFO
SFist – Tesla Opens Up Robotoaxi App to All In SF, But Can They Even Do That?
SFist reports on how Tesla has opened up their robotaxi app for parts of the Bay Area but questions whether it is legal at all. They should also have mentioned that you can't actually take the vaporware service.
48hills – Muni riders, bus drivers, bikers, people who walk beg SFMTA Commission to do its job
Tim Redmond of 48hills reports on how the SFMTA Board has completely handed its authority over to the mayor, illegally.
48hills – Lurie is damaging transit, the environment—and democracy—on Market Street
Susan Vaughan reports in 48hills that SF Mayor Lurie is both gutting transit and subverting the political process in trying to bring Waymos, Ubers, and Lyfts to car-free Market Street.
SF Standard – I tried ordering Waymo, Uber, and Lyft on Market Street. It was not smooth hailing
SF Standard reports that while the San Francisco mayor has (falsely) decreed that ride hailing cars can go back onto Market Street, fortunately the ride-hailing companies are still avoiding it.
Gothamist – No Way-mo: Opposition to NYC’s robot car pilot grows
Gothamist reports that the opposition to NYC's Waymo pilot is quickly growing, especially amongst actual humans who drive taxis.
KRON 4 – Waymo begins picking up passengers on SF’s Market Street
KRON 4 reports that Waymo is allegedly now picking up passengers on Market Street. Interestingly, they have zero examples of that actually happening.
SF Chronicle – S.F. DA charges man allegedly linked to string of Waymo vandalism incidents
SF Chronicle reports that the DA is charging multiple counts of vandalism for allegedly damaging multiple Waymo vehicles. It appears that one of the charges is for a "coning" that caused no damage.
Reuters – US issues exemption for self-driving Zoox vehicles, closes probe
Reuters reports that the NHTSA has certified Zoox robotaxi vehicles for demonstration use even though they do not have driving controls and therefore do not meet federal safety requirements.
Business Insider – Tesla’s ability to sell cars in California hangs in the balance after a weeklong ‘high-stakes’ court hearing
Business Insider reports that the court hearing is over on whether Tesla can continue to sell cars in California. It will be very interesting to see what decision will be made.
SF Standard – Sorry, Elon, there’s nothing robotic about your SF taxi launch
SF Standard reports that the California Public Utilities Commission confirmed on Friday that Tesla has NOT received approval from the CPUC to offer autonomous passenger service to customers, paid or unpaid, with or without a driver. And they have not even applied for the proper permit. In short, they are not allowed to operate the service they claim to be moving forward with.
Reuters – US closes probe into Waymo self-driving collisions, unexpected behavior
Reuters reports that NHTSA has dropped their investigation of multiple Waymo incidences including collisions and traffic violations. No action was taken.
Business Insider – Tesla tells staff it plans to roll out its Robotaxi service in San Francisco this weekend
Business Insider reports that Tesla is planning on providing illegal non-autonomous ride hail service in San Francisco starting this weekend. The California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates passenger service, will not be pleased.
Jalopnik – Boston Flips The Bird To Waymo Robotaxis
Jalopnik reports that Boston folks and their city officials do not want Waymo robotaxis without first understanding their impact on equity and employment.
Boston Globe – ‘Drivers are people’: Boston City councilors want to delay the arrival of self-driving cars
Boston Globe reports that City Councilors are not happy with Waymo providing robotaxi service in Boston due to concerns about congestion, safety, and workers.
