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Waymo, Zoox advance driverless testing; DMV rebukes Tesla taxi claims
Summary
Authority staff reported progress from autonomous vehicle providers: Waymo has received a driver-testing permit at SFO, Zoox launched driverless service in Las Vegas and is testing in San Francisco, and the California DMV clarified that Tesla does not hold a permit to offer robo‑taxi service to the public.
San Francisco County Transportation Authority staff updated the board Sept. 30 on autonomous vehicle (AV) testing and regulatory developments by major providers.
Waymo has received a driver-testing permit at San Francisco International Airport, staff said. The airport‑issued safety-driver permit is expected to precede later phases that would include driverless testing and, if approved, full commercial deployment.
Zoox launched a fully driverless robo‑taxi service on the Las Vegas Strip earlier in September and is currently testing its purpose‑built, driverless vehicles in parts of San Francisco, the executive director said. Staff said those Bay Area tests could lead to further operations “in the near future,” but noted that commercial service requires regulatory approvals.
The director also addressed public statements by Tesla’s CEO about launching a robo‑taxi service in San Francisco. The California Department of Motor Vehicles clarified that Tesla does not hold a permit to operate robo‑taxi service for members of the public. Tesla may test AV technology with safety drivers or transport its own employees, staff said, but it is not authorized to carry fare‑paying passengers in autonomous mode.
Staff thanked the DMV and Assemblymember Catherine Stefani for clarifying the regulatory status. Board members were not asked to take action; staff said they will continue to monitor provider filings and regulatory approvals.
