Waymo Approved for Driverless Rides in Sacramento Area
Waymo has received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to begin offering driverless rides in the Sacramento area.
Sacramento Stockton Modesto, CA, August 14, 2026 —
Waymo, the self-driving technology company, has secured approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to commence driverless ride-hailing services in the Sacramento region. This decision marks a significant expansion for the company, bringing its autonomous vehicle technology to a new major metropolitan area in California.
The CPUC’s approval allows Waymo to operate its fully driverless vehicles without a safety driver present, making rides available to the public. The specific service area approved encompasses parts of Sacramento and potentially surrounding communities, though the exact boundaries and operational details are subject to further announcements by the company.
This move follows a period of testing and development by Waymo in the Sacramento area. The company has been operating autonomous vehicles in various capacities, gathering data and refining its technology in preparation for commercial deployment.
The expansion into Sacramento positions Waymo to compete in a new market, alongside its existing operations in Phoenix and San Francisco. The CPUC’s regulatory oversight is crucial for the safe integration of autonomous vehicle technology into public transportation networks. The commission evaluates safety protocols, operational plans, and potential impacts on public transit and local communities before granting such approvals.
Details regarding the fleet size, pricing, and exact launch date for Waymo’s driverless service in Sacramento were not immediately available. The company is expected to release further information in the coming weeks as it prepares for the official rollout of its public ride-hailing service.
Story summarized from the original created by Natalie Sierra on fox40.com, see more information here.
