Waymo Lobbying Efforts Surge in San Francisco: A 2024 Overview

Waymo Lobbying Efforts Surge in San Francisco: A 2024 Overview

In 2024, Waymo lobbyists have been highly active, engaging with San Francisco government officials more than ever before. A recent analysis of lobbyist disclosures by the San Francisco Examiner revealed that Waymo’s lobbyist meetings surged to 348 in 2024, a significant increase from the 137 meetings reported in the previous year.

Waymo’s Expansion in San Francisco

This increase in lobbying efforts aligns with Waymo’s ongoing expansion in San Francisco and its broader ambitions for the Bay Area. The company has been part of the San Francisco landscape since 2009, but it was only in August 2023 that Waymo began charging customers for rides in its fleet of self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, operating 24 hours a day across the city.

Growth in Service and Coverage

  • Waymo has expanded its service footprint significantly.
  • The company eliminated its waitlist for the San Francisco robotaxi service last June, enabling immediate access for customers.
  • In 2023, Waymo broadened its coverage area by an additional 10 square miles, incorporating more Bay Area cities.
  • Testing of driverless vehicles on San Francisco freeways has also commenced.

Future Aspirations: San Francisco Airport Access

Waymo is also eyeing the opportunity to pick up and drop off customers at San Francisco Airport. Reports from TechCrunch in July indicated an increase in lobbyist meetings with airport authority officials, highlighting Waymo’s ambition to integrate its services with one of the region’s busiest transportation hubs.

The surge in lobbyist activity and service expansion underscores Waymo’s commitment to revolutionizing transportation in San Francisco and beyond, as it continues to pave the way for the future of autonomous travel.

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