Waymo to begin testing robotaxis in more Bay Area cities

"Driverless vehicles no longer exist solely in spy movies and futuristic dreams. In fact, Solano County streets are one step closer to a future that features these self-driving robotaxis. The autonomous driving technology company, Waymo formerly the Google self-driving car project recently received approval by the California Department of Motor Vehicles to begin testing in seven Solano County cities. Approved locations are: Vallejo Vacaville Fairfield Benicia Dixon Suisun City Rio Vista The news comes as part of a major wave of approval to expand testing in Northern California areas, including several cities in the Sacramento region and Yolo County. RELATED: Waymo robotaxis blink out and block traffic in SF blackout. What happens in the next emergency? Though the DMV's approval progresses the deployment of vehicles, the company still requires a permit from the California Public Utilities Commission before it can start officially offering paid public rides in these new areas."

"To be completely transparent, I'm excited about any entrepreneurial opportunity that can help strengthen our local economy, especially when it supports long-term prosperity for the cities being represented, said Gordon, who also serves on the SolTrans Board of Directors as an appointee, advocating for service to South Vallejo. This conversation is particularly relevant given that transportation, especially reliable evening and weekend transportation, continues to be a challenge in Vallejo, said Gordon. She says expanding opportunities through innovative mobility solutions, including options like Waymo testing, she said, could be highly beneficial for Vallejo."

Waymo received approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles to begin testing autonomous vehicles in seven Solano County cities: Vallejo, Vacaville, Fairfield, Benicia, Dixon, Suisun City and Rio Vista. The approvals are part of a broader expansion of testing in Northern California, including areas in the Sacramento region and Yolo County. The company still requires a permit from the California Public Utilities Commission before it can offer paid public rides in the new areas. Local reactions are mixed, with some officials optimistic about economic benefits and improved evening and weekend transportation, while operational and safety concerns remain.

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