Both Waymo and Cruise have been operating in San Francisco for a while. Since they launched, the two companies have offered a free vehicle in the area to people who are willing to be expelled in an autonomous taxi. However, the two companies will now want to start making money from their autonomous fleet.
Both Waymo and Cruise have submitted permissions in California which allow them to start charging for vehicles and shipping services in San Francisco. If the application is approved, it will be the next stage of the launch for autonomous shipments and passenger services in the US. It will also mark new tests for vehicle platforms in crowded urban areas.
None of the companies confirm when they can start providing paid services. The two companies also plan different approaches. Waymo wants to offer “driver operation,” which might mean with a safety driver behind the wheel. On the other hand, Cruise plans to use his vehicle without human supervision behind the wheel.
At present, DMV in California has not agreed to the company’s request to expand its operations. Waymo reportedly submitted his request on January 19, with a submission of Cruise on March 29. DMV in California still consider the current application. Waymo has 83,000 autonomous miles in the deployment area, where he wants to start charging for service.
Waymo said that his permission was asked to allow complete paid delivery in autonomous mode with the driver behind the wheel. Another startup called Nuro is the first time to get permission to operate paid services in California. The company also announced an agreement with Chipolte Mexican Grill Inc. For shipping services using autonomous vehicles.