The Rise of Autonomous Taxis in Los Angeles

Waymo, Google's autonomous taxi company, has launched its fleet in Los Angeles, joining the crowded market of self-driving taxi services. Despite some incidents and criticisms, the autonomous taxis are gaining popularity in cities like San Francisco and now Los Angeles. The future of mass transport seems to be moving towards self-driving vehicles, with companies like Waymo, General Motors' Cruise, Amazon's Zoox, and Tesla all competing in this space.

Waymo's Driverless Cars Causing Noise Issues in San Francisco

Waymo's driverless cars in San Francisco have been causing noise issues with constant honking in a parking lot, leading to complaints from residents. A livestream was set up to showcase the chaotic scene, with Waymo eventually addressing the problem by updating their software to reduce the noise.

Waymo Self-Driving Vehicles Safety Concerns

Waymo self-driving vehicles, a Google company, are facing scrutiny from the NHTSA due to potential safety risks, including collisions with stationary objects and ignoring traffic signals. The NHTSA is investigating 22 incident reports involving Waymo's fifth-generation automated driving system to identify safety risks and potential updates to prevent malfunctions.

Investigation into Waymo by US Auto-Safety Regulator

The US auto-safety regulator is investigating Waymo, Alphabet Inc.'s autonomous-vehicle subsidiary, after 22 incidents involving collisions or traffic law violations. Waymo vehicles crashed into objects and disobeyed traffic-control devices. NHTSA is scrutinizing both driver-assistance systems and autonomous vehicles more closely.

Cruise autonomous vehicle testing restart

Cruise, an autonomous vehicle company backed by General Motors, has restarted testing in Phoenix after a pedestrian-dragging incident in San Francisco. The incident led to layoffs, executive departures, and decreased spending by GM. Despite challenges, Cruise is determined to compete in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Introduction of Waymo Driverless Robotaxis in Los Angeles

Waymo, a part of Google's parent company, has introduced around 50 driverless robotaxis in Los Angeles, sparking excitement and concern among Angelinos. The technology has faced criticism and safety concerns, with labor leaders worried about job losses and potential dangers to emergency vehicle drivers. Although Waymo claims their vehicles are safer than human drivers, local lawmakers like Hugo Soto-Martinez are pushing for more control over permitting decisions.

Waymo's Self-Driving Car Expansion Suspension by CPUC

The California Public Utilities Commission has suspended Waymo's plans to expand its self-driving car services in Los Angeles County and Silicon Valley for up to 120 days due to public safety concerns and incidents involving Waymo vehicles.