Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
Are robotaxis the future? Or instead, the past?
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…
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 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 reports that the opposition to NYC's Waymo pilot is quickly growing, especially amongst actual humans who drive taxis.
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 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 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 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 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 reports that NHTSA has dropped their investigation of multiple Waymo incidences including collisions and traffic violations. No action was taken.
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 reports that Boston folks and their city officials do not want Waymo robotaxis without first understanding their impact on equity and employment.
Boston Globe reports that City Councilors are not happy with Waymo providing robotaxi service in Boston due to concerns about congestion, safety, and workers.
NBC Bay Area reports on efforts to create a national law for significantly improving reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles.
The NYC Daily News Editorial Board urges the city to put up significant guardrails before allowing Waymo robotaxis.
Streetsblog questions the safety of the Tesla autonomous driving system by showing how it doesn't stop for school buses and would run over a child given the opportunity.
