Waymo, the self-driving tech development unit of Google, has announced plans to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Los Angeles, California eventually in partnership with local groups MADD California and Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition. 

The company plans to deploy 12+ robotaxis initially with plans to add more vehicles in the future. 

It intends to introduce a driverless robotaxi (without the safety driver) that will operate around the clock. The company has already obtained approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to launch commercial robotaxi services–but with a safety driver. The final permit to launch driverless rides is yet pending.

Waymo has been active in Los Angeles since 2019, especially with regard to mapping the area including Downtown, Miracle Mile, Koreatown, Santa Monica, Westwood, and West Hollywood.

Analyst QuickTake: Waymo is already conducting commercial autonomous ride-hailing services in San Francisco (California) and Phoenix (Arizona) . The expansion plans announced today signify the company’s attempt at accelerating its commercial operations.