Waymo Regulatory Approval Delays
On 8 July, Wired reported that a delay at a California state agency could keep rides in Waymo’s new Ojai vehicle free for a few more months. On 9 July, Ars Technica attributed the free rides to a regulatory quirk. The delay prevents Waymo from introducing paid rides in the vehicle on its expected timetable.
Assuming the reports are factual, impact is 0%. The immediate effect is limited to Waymo and riders using its new Ojai vehicle in California. Passengers may continue riding free for several more months while the company waits for permission to charge them.
Watch for the state agency to clear the delay and for Waymo to announce when paid rides in the Ojai vehicle will begin.
Waymo to begin passenger rides in its new Ojai robotaxi
If Waymo continues to operate these vehicles in its driverless ride-hail service, they could be gratis until the end of September and perhaps beyond.
The launch of the Ojai minivan robotaxi comes after years of development and testing, but arrives amid a challenging time for Waymo.
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