Waymo Pursues Robotaxi Operations at San Francisco International Airport

Waymo is intensifying its efforts to establish a robotaxi service for pickups and drop-offs at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), as revealed by emails obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. Gaining access to the airport necessitates approval from the San Francisco Airport Commission, which has indicated that a new permit structure would need to be developed, similar to the one created for ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft a decade ago. Initial discussions regarding this initiative began as early as March, with significant outreach commencing on April 15. Waymo's Chief Product Officer, Saswat Panigrahi, expressed interest in a meeting to discuss the company's technology and safety measures. A Waymo spokesperson confirmed that preliminary talks have taken place, focusing on noncommercial mapping and driving operations at the airport, with a human driver present during initial phases. The first step in this process involves digital mapping of the airport's roadways. However, progress has been delayed, as SFO officials, including spokesperson Doug Yakel, have emphasized the need for Waymo to gain more experience in surrounding communities before moving forward with airport operations. Yakel noted that the airport commission is closely monitoring Waymo's developments and has postponed the mapping permit until the company secures necessary approvals from the California Public Utilities Commission for operations in nearby areas. As Waymo seeks to expand its services, the outcome of these discussions and the regulatory approvals will be crucial in determining the future of robotaxi operations at SFO.