Waymo Expands in LA, Hits Operational Hurdles
Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service in Los Angeles, rolling out its sixth-generation, fully driverless fleet designed to handle extreme weather like rain and fog. The expansion cements LA as a key market for autonomous vehicles. However, the company is facing operational challenges, reportedly turning to gig workers from services like DoorDash to manually close stuck vehicle doors to keep the fleet in service.
- The sixth-generation Waymo Driver system, deployed on a platform co-developed with Chinese automaker Zeekr, features a sensor suite with 13 cameras, four lidars, and six radars. This configuration is designed to reduce costs while providing an overlapping 360-degree field of view up to 500 meters away. - Before turning to gig workers, Waymo reportedly attempted to solve the open-door issue with in-car audio reminders and push notifications to riders' phones, but these methods proved unreliable. The company has stated that future vehicle versions are expected to have automatic door-closing technology, though no specific timeline has been provided. - In Los Angeles, Waymo has also used the roadside assistance app Honk to hire people for simple tasks like closing doors, with payments reportedly ranging from $22 to $24 for such fixes. - Waymo's competitor, Cruise, had its state permits suspended by California regulators in late 2023 after one of its vehicles struck and dragged a pedestrian. This incident has heightened regulatory scrutiny on all autonomous vehicle operators in the state. - Regulation of autonomous taxis in California is controlled at the state level by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not by municipal governments. A recent bill that would have granted cities more local control over robotaxi operations failed to pass. - Under current California law, autonomous vehicles operating in driverless mode cannot be issued citations for moving violations, a legal loophole that has drawn criticism and calls for new legislation. - Waymo's operations in the LA area have faced localized challenges, including a lawsuit from the city of Santa Monica over alleged noise and light disturbances from an overnight vehicle recharging station, which residents described as a "public nuisance." - The company has previously had to suspend service temporarily in parts of Los Angeles, such as a suspension in Downtown LA in June 2025 after several vehicles were vandalized and set on fire during protests.
