Waymo driverless cars are coming to the West Valley - San Jose Spotlight

"Waymo will begin operating in West Valley cities such as Cupertino and Campbell in the coming weeks, as well as Willow Glen and Vista Park in San Jose. A spokesperson said the latest expansion covers approximately 60 square miles, bringing Waymo's total Bay Area service area to more than 330 square miles. The company recently expanded its service area into the South Bay, including at San Jose Mineta International Airport."

""As San Jose and other cities prepare to host global events like the FIFA World Cup, the expanded footprint will also help both residents and visitors move around the city safely and efficiently," spokesperson Sandy Karp told San José Spotlight."

"State regulators, not cities, oversee autonomous vehicle approvals in California, which means local governments have little authority over whether Waymo operates on their streets. Elected leaders in the West Valley said they see potential benefits in the technology, including safer driving behavior and improved transportation access. But they have also raised questions about accountability, public transit competition and how residents will respond as driverless cars enter smaller cities."

"After meeting with a Waymo representative, Los Gatos Mayor Rob Moore said he was surprised to learn local municipalities have no authority over autonomous vehicle operations. The California Department of Motor Vehicles and California Public Utilities Commission handle all approvals."

Waymo plans to start operating driverless ride-sharing in West Valley cities including Cupertino and Campbell, plus Willow Glen and Vista Park in San Jose. The expansion covers about 60 square miles and increases Waymo’s Bay Area service area to more than 330 square miles, following earlier growth that included service near San Jose Mineta International Airport. Local leaders expect potential benefits such as safer driving behavior and improved transportation access, especially as cities prepare for major events. Concerns include accountability, competition with public transit, and how residents will respond as autonomous vehicles enter smaller cities. In California, state regulators approve autonomous vehicle operations, limiting city authority.

Read at San Jose Spotlight