In a recent test of Waymo's robotaxis in Los Angeles, the lack of autonomous rides to LAX was a big drawback. The service is also not available for pick-ups or drop-offs at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) thanks to a separate permitting process, but executive emails show that Waymo is forging ahead despite recent setbacks.
Though Waymo got permission to operate commercially in LA, the San Francisco Peninsula, and on San Francisco freeways in March, it needs a separate approval from the San Francisco Airport Commission to operate there. That was rejected last year, but according to emails obtained by TechCrunch via a FOIA request, Waymo execs are once again pushing airport officials for permission to operate its robotaxis at SFO.
“Waymo riders in the Bay Area consistently ask Waymo to provide service to SFO. We would like to partner with airport leaders and staff to work towards that future goal," Waymo Chief Product Officer Saswat Panigrahi wrote to SFO General Manager Ivar Satero in April.
Waymo would need to map SFO before it provides service there. It got preliminary approval last year, but that was later delayed, Mission Local reports. SFO officials have indicated they want to see how Waymo performs in other areas before allowing it at the airport.
"We would first like to see them gain more experience safely serving our surrounding communities before entertaining any activity, even mapping, at the airport," SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel told The San Franciso Standard.
Complicating matters further, SFO may need to "create a new permit structure, similar to what we did 10 years ago for companies like Uber and Lyft," Yakel says in the emails.
For now, Waymo is doing overnight curbside pickups and drop-offs at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
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