Politics

Cars, being fast moving and heavy, are quite dangerous. They should be well regulated for safety. But it turns out regulations can be bought and paid for by lobbying money…

NYC

The Verge – New York City welcomes robotaxis — but only with safety drivers

Article from The Verge on how NYC will be allowing robotaxis, but only with human drivers. Importantly, to get a permit operators will need to first report "disengagements" from service in another city. This is critical information that the robotaxi operators have so far refused to hand over.
Read MoreThe Verge – New York City welcomes robotaxis — but only with safety drivers

SF Chronicle – Why Waymo robotaxis won’t be taking passengers to SFO, or on Bay Area freeways, anytime soon

Article from SF Chronicle explaining that though the CPUC granted Waymo permission to serve the peninsula, Waymo still needs permission from SFO to serve the airport. Also, Waymo does not have a timeline for expanding to cover the peninsula. Plus Waymo doesn't currently provide autonomous service on freeways yet due to safety issues.
Read MoreSF Chronicle – Why Waymo robotaxis won’t be taking passengers to SFO, or on Bay Area freeways, anytime soon

SF Standard – Activists gather in Chinatown to demand immediate ban on self-driving taxis in California

A coalition of San Francisco residents, safety advocates and workers is demanding Gov. Gavin Newsom immediately ban self-driving taxis, accusing the companies that operate them of endangering public safety. Waymo counters with statements from disability groups (to whom Waymo donated generously). Taxi drivers explain that people with disabilities often need a driver to help.
Read MoreSF Standard – Activists gather in Chinatown to demand immediate ban on self-driving taxis in California
Bloomberg

Bloomberg – Inside California’s Coming Fight Over Vehicle Speed Limiters

A discussion between David Zipper and California State Senator Scott Wiener on new legislation to mandate speed regulators on new vehicles. Explains the details on why mandating this simple and already existing technology would greatly improve safety on our roads. Also covers rebuttals to common arguments used against making this safety improvement.
Read MoreBloomberg – Inside California’s Coming Fight Over Vehicle Speed Limiters

Cruise Report by Quinn Emanuel Does not Provide Key Details to Regulators

An analysis by Michael Smith on the Quinn Emanuel Report (QER) on the October 2nd, 2023 crash where a pedestrian was dragged and seriously injured. The report was commissioned by Cruise to determine what went wrong and how to address the problems, both technical and operational. But the QER failed to address the most important issues and is therefore not an indication that Cruise is moving forward with improving safety.
Read MoreCruise Report by Quinn Emanuel Does not Provide Key Details to Regulators

The Robot Report – San Francisco files lawsuit to pump brakes on robotaxis

On December 11th 2023 San Francisco sued California's Public Utilities Commission to limit robotaxis, following safety incidents with autonomous vehicles (AVs) like those from Cruise and Waymo. The suit seeks to review and revoke permits that allowed unchecked expansion and demands better safety measures and regulations. Although Cruise lost its permits, Waymo, expanding to LA, remains affected. Waymo has challenged the city's appeal, emphasizing its commitment to safe operations.
Read MoreThe Robot Report – San Francisco files lawsuit to pump brakes on robotaxis

Washington Post – San Francisco sues California over ‘unsafe,’ ‘disruptive’ self-driving cars

San Francisco is suing a state commission for letting autonomous vehicle companies, like Waymo and GM's Cruise, operate without strict regulation, following numerous safety incidents. The city's action reflects growing concerns over self-driving cars, which were initially welcomed. The legal challenge aims to compel more rigorous safety standards and reporting for these vehicles, amidst fears they're compromising public safety and disrupting emergency services. Waymo remains operational, while Cruise lost its permit after a crash.
Read MoreWashington Post – San Francisco sues California over ‘unsafe,’ ‘disruptive’ self-driving cars

Teslarati – Waymo has applied to expand driverless operations to Los Angeles

Waymo is poised to enter Los Angeles as it seeks CPUC approval to extend its autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo One, while simultaneously collaborating with local stakeholders. Amidst previous expansions and 24-hour operations in San Francisco, competitor Cruise faces setbacks following an accident and permit revocation, highlighting Waymo's leading position in the race for driverless market dominance as noted by Dan O’Dowd, a critic of Tesla's FSD.
Read MoreTeslarati – Waymo has applied to expand driverless operations to Los Angeles