Waymo Ojai Rides in California Remain Free Pending State Review

Waymo cannot yet charge passengers for rides in its new Ojai robotaxis in California because a state agency has not completed its review of the company's expansion application. The company applied to the California Public Utilities Commission in January to add the Ojai vehicles to its fleet and to expand its service area in Northern and Southern California.

The proposed Northern California area would run from Sea Ranch and Sacramento through Berkeley, Oakland, and San Jose.

California requires separate approvals from the Department of Motor Vehicles to operate autonomous vehicles and from the California Public Utilities Commission to carry paying passengers. Other states allow robotaxis to begin public service with less oversight.

The CPUC asked for additional information in May about how Waymo handles emergency incidents and prevents unaccompanied minors from riding in its cars. A labor union representing ride-hail drivers filed a complaint with the agency about the minor-rider issue.

The CPUC's Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division and Waymo agreed to extend the review through September 25, according to a spokesperson for the agency. The request remains under review and the requested elements have not been authorized. A Waymo spokesperson said the company will not begin charging for Ojai rides until the agency approves the application.

The company is also waiting until it is satisfied with progress from its Trusted Tester program in California and Arizona. The Ojai is Waymo's first vehicle purpose-built as a driverless taxi. It has a steering wheel and brake pedals along with 13 cameras, six radar systems, and four lidar sensors.