Waymo wants to offer robotaxis in California. But the state insists they be free

The free-or-nothing mandate makes no sense to Waymo, the driverless vehicle arm of Google's Alphabet, or to other driverless vehicle startups hoping to establish themselves in a new industry that could produce the biggest change in ground transportation since the invention of the automobile. — Sipa USA/TNS

Waymo wants to deploy a robotaxi service for the general public in parts of California as soon as possible. But that's unlikely, the company says, because California says it has to offer the service for free.

Last year, the California Public Utilities Commission allowed driverless "robotaxi" pilot programmes in the state but banned permit-holders from charging fares. The ban is considered temporary but has no timeline. Some industry analysts say the uncertainty could put California's reputation as the world leader in driverless technology at risk.