Waymo Begins Mapping SFO Roads Under New Permit, Paving Path for Robotaxi Expansion

The 30-day permit allows human-driven mapping as the first step in a phased approach to potential commercial robotaxi services at San Francisco International Airport.

• Waymo has received a 30-day permit, effective March 14, 2025, to map roadways at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with an option for a 30-day extension.
• The permit requires vehicles to be manually driven by human operators and prohibits carrying passengers or transporting commercial goods during this phase.
• This mapping effort marks the first step in a phased strategy that could lead to future autonomous and commercial robotaxi operations at SFO.
• Waymo must share detailed data with SFO after each mapping session, including vehicle tracking and trip information, as part of the agreement.
• The Teamsters Union has expressed conditional support for the permit, citing safety and job considerations, following years of negotiations and regulatory challenges.

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