Robotaxi companies can now win approval to operate in California

An Apollo robotaxi is seen on a street in Changsha, China. Driverless robotaxis have begun operating small-scale commercial services in Arizona, Las Vegas, Shanghai, Singapore and elsewhere. — AFP/TNS

Robotaxi operators will be allowed to charge fares for driverless rides in California under a plan approved by the state Public Utilities Commission on Thursday.

But don’t expect to hail a robotaxi right away: The CPUC fare plan lays down a lengthy government approval process for each robotaxi operator that could take months or years.