Public and advocates clash over mayoral decision to allow Waymo on Market Street

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors heard hours of public comment and questions from board members on a mayoral directive allowing Waymo autonomous vehicles to operate on Market Street.

The matter was raised during Director Julie Kirschbaum’s director’s report and prompted more than two hours of public testimony. Director Kirschbaum said the rollout will be phased: Waymo vehicles will first map the corridor with safety drivers before offering passenger rides, and staff will “monitor the rollout carefully to ensure that everyone who travels on Market Street will have a safe experience.”

Why it matters: Market Street functions as San Francisco’s principal transit corridor, where Muni has focused decades of work to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and transit reliability. Advocates on both sides told the board the decision could be consequential for safety, equity and the city’s transit-first policy.

Supporters — including disability advocates and some downtown business groups — told the board Waymo could improve direct access to Market Street locations and provide a reliable, accessible option for people with disabilities and older residents. Caitlin O’Mellier of Lighthouse for the…