Waymo’s robotaxi service expands into Los Angeles, starting free rides in parts of the city

Robotaxis are hitting the streets of Los Angeles. Google spinoff Waymo says on Thursday, March 14, 2024 it will begin offering free rides to a some of the roughly 50,000 people who have signed up for its driverless ride-hailing service in the second largest US city. — AP

LOS ANGELES: Robotaxis will begin cruising the streets of Los Angeles on March 14 when Google spinoff Waymo starts offering free rides to some of the roughly 50,000 people who have signed up for its driverless ride-hailing service.

Waymo is expanding into Los Angeles, the second largest US city, seven months after California regulators authorised its robotaxis to begin charging for around-the-clock rides throughout San Francisco. That came despite objections from local officials who asserted the driverless vehicles posed unacceptable risks to public safety.