The contentious decision was met with much opposition as city agencies and residents questioned the far-reaching impact of the expansions. The permits provide no limitations on geographic area, service hours or fleet size, something opponents say could lead to uncapped numbers of robotaxis roaming the streets. Nor is there a requirement that Cruise or Waymo report the incidents of robotaxis malfunctioning and “bricking” in traffic, blocking the flow of other road users, public transit and first responders.
SF City Attorney David Chiu filed the request on behalf of city transit and planning officials. Chiu had also requested a temporary halt of the expansions days after the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) hearing, but the agency never responded. The city’s applications, which were filed Monday, reiterate the request for a temporary pause.
“These vehicles may be able to drive themselves, but they can’t regulate themselves,” said Chiu in a statement. “The CPUC must do that to protect passenger and public safety. Since the CPUC’s decision to allow unfettered expansion of AVs for commercial passenger service in San Francisco, AVs have continued to present safety risks and interfere with first responders.”
Chiu urged the CPUC to reconsider its decision, accusing the agency of using a flawed approval process and ignoring public safety hazards and potential environmental impacts of AVs.
“AV technology has a place in San Francisco, but we’re concerned it is not yet capable of safely operating in our complex transportation environment,” continued Chiu.
The CPUC’s primary role is to promote the public interest by ensuring safe, reliable and affordable utility services. As long as Cruise and Waymo’s services meet those requirements, the CPUC doesn’t have the authority to limit them. The agency voted in favor of permit expansions in August because it did not anticipate the robotaxi services to result in significant safety risks.
