Waymo Resumes Freeway Operations After Software Updates
Waymo is gradually reintroducing freeway routes to its robotaxi service in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area after a two-month pause. The company cited software updates aimed at improving performance near construction zones as the reason for resuming operations across all areas where it operates driverless ride-hailing services. The decision comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny of autonomous vehicle operators following incidents involving emergency responders and safety signals like traffic cones or flares. A new bill proposed by Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.) seeks to establish national safety standards for self-driving vehicles, reflecting concerns over their behavior in high-traffic situations. Waymo had previously paused freeway operations after identifying 13 instances where its robotaxis entered closed construction zones on highways. The company voluntarily recalled nearly 4,000 units and implemented fixes as part of a broader effort to enhance safety.
Topics: freeway operations robotaxi self-driving cars software updates Waymo