(Credit: PATRICK T. FALLON/Contributor/Getty Images)
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.
Get Our Best Stories!
Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Sign up for other newsletters
Read the latest from Jibin Joseph
- X Now Lets You Edit DMs, But Only From the iOS App
- M4 Macs Rumored to Launch in November
- Catch the Rest of the Major League Soccer Season for Free on Apple TV+
- Spotify: Apple Is Restricting Volume Controls for Spotify Connect on iOS
- With Gmail Q&A on Android, Gemini Can Answer Questions About Your Inbox
- More from Jibin Joseph
