Free Waymo Rides in California? You Can Thank a Regulatory Quirk
Waymo is currently offering free rides in its new 'Ojai' vehicles in California due to regulatory delays in obtaining approval to charge passengers. The company faces scrutiny from state regulators regarding safety protocols and labor union complaints, which has stalled its expansion plans.
Why it matters
Regulatory hurdles and labor disputes highlight the ongoing friction between autonomous vehicle deployment and public safety oversight in the U.S.
The holdup means that Waymo isn’t yet allowed to expand into parts of Northern and Southern California. And, in an upside for riders, Waymo still isn’t able to charge California passengers for rides in its new vehicle, a pale blue Chinese-made car it’s calling the Ojai, which started picking up riders last month.
The report objectively covers the regulatory process and the conflicting interests of the company and labor groups.
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