Waymo Granted Approval to Launch Ride-Hailing Services in Sacramento and San Diego
Waymo has revealed that it has secured approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to broaden its robotaxi services to additional regions in California. This development marks the company’s entry into Sacramento and San Diego, while also enhancing existing operations in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles.
As reported, the CPUC’s endorsement is likely a response to a request Waymo submitted earlier this year. This request outlined a safety plan necessary for the new service areas identified back in November 2025. Initially, there were some concerns regarding the request, leading to a temporary suspension. However, Waymo’s latest announcement indicates that these issues have been addressed, although the specifics may not yet be reflected in public records.
Significant update for California — we are thrilled to have gained the CPUC’s approval to expand our self-driving ride-hailing service throughout the SF Bay Area and LA, with new offerings in Sacramento and San Diego.
Growth will be methodical and aligned with our safety guidelines. We are excited to…
— Waymo (@Waymo) August 14, 2026
We have reached out to the CPUC to verify the details regarding Waymo’s expansion. Updates will follow if any information is received.
This approval enables Waymo to provide services in a total of 18 counties across California, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. However, immediate access to robotaxis in all these regions might not be feasible right away. The company has emphasized that its growth will be “methodical and informed by our safety framework.”
Waymo’s plans to expand into San Diego were first announced in November 2025, while Sacramento was added to the list in February 2026. In July, the company indicated intentions to commence trials for fully autonomous rides without human safety drivers in San Diego, Denver, Tampa, and Las Vegas. Based on the initial request submitted, the CPUC’s approval should facilitate the use of existing Jaguar I-Pace vehicles as well as the new Ojai robotaxis, which are specially designed minivans created in partnership with the Chinese manufacturer Zeekr.
