The state of California has authorized Waymo to carry passengers in its self-driving cars.
The California Public Utilities Commission gave Waymo permission, issuing a “certificate
authorizing the transportation of passengers by test autonomous motor vehicles on a pilot testing basis over the public highways of the state of California as a charter-party carrier of
passengers.”
Certain conditions were also stipulated.
For example, the state did not authorize the acceptance of “monetary compensation” for transportation in the
autonomous vehicles, and car top lights and taxi meters are prohibited.
The certificate did authorize round-trip, sightseeing tour services.
The vehicles also are to be driven by a
person with an “autonomous vehicle testing program test vehicle operator permit” from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, according to the certificate.
The permit to carry
passengers, which can be renewed, is for a three-month period.
Now the Waymo robo-fleet can hit the streets.