A regulatory delay in California has prevented Waymo from charging fares for its new Ojai vehicles, effectively offering free rides until at least late September. While this benefits consumers, the holdup restricts Waymo's expansion into key Northern and Southern California markets despite its application being submitted in January.
Background
Waymo is the leading autonomous ride-hailing service in the US, operating primarily in California and Arizona. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requires specific approval for companies to charge for transportation services, separate from DMV driving permits.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jul 9, 2026 at 09:31 PM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10