Waymo’s application to expand California robotaxi operations paused by regulators

Waymo’s application to expand its robotaxi service in Los Angeles and San Mateo counties has been suspended for 120 days by the California Public Utilities Commission’s Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division.

The decision doesn’t change Waymo’s ability to commercially operate in San Francisco or in limited areas within Los Angeles. It does put an abrupt halt to the company’s commercial aspirations — at least until June 2024.

The CPED said on its website that the application has been suspended for further staff review.

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Vice President David J. Canepa issued a statement following the ruling.

“Since Waymo has stalled any meaningful discussions on its expansion plans into Silicon Valley, the CPUC has put the brakes on its application to test robotaxi service virtually unfettered both in San Mateo and Los Angeles counties,” Canepa said. “This will provide the opportunity to fully engage the autonomous vehicle maker on our very real public safety concerns that have caused all kinds of dangerous situations for firefighters and police in neighboring San Francisco.”

TechCrunch will update this story once Waymo responds to a request for comment.

This story is developing …