LAWNDALE, CALIFORNIA — Residents may see more autonomous vehicles on local streets as the ride-hailing company expands its Los Angeles service area. The expansion could make autonomous vehicles more common on streets throughout the South Bay.
The expansion adds several South Bay communities to the company’s existing Los Angeles service area.
On November 3, Waymo expanded its Los Angeles service area to include additional South Bay communities. The newly added communities include Torrance, Manhattan Beach, and El Segundo. The expansion increases the company’s regional coverage to approximately 210 square miles, according to the Los Angeles Times. The expansion significantly increases the company’s coverage across the South Bay.
Residents in Lawndale and nearby communities may also encounter Waymo vehicles as the company expands its presence across the South Bay.
What Residents Should Know
Waymo’s autonomous passenger vehicles do not have a human operator sitting behind the wheel. The vehicles use cameras, radar, and lidar sensors to detect their surroundings, identify objects, and navigate traffic conditions.
Waymo’s passenger service is limited to its authorized operating areas rather than being available statewide. California regulates autonomous vehicle operations through state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
The California DMV oversees autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, while the CPUC regulates passenger transportation services provided by autonomous vehicles.
Public Safety and Local Streets
As driverless vehicles become more visible in South Bay communities, residents may have questions about traffic safety. They may also have questions about emergency response and how the vehicles interact with pedestrians and other motorists.
Waymo publishes information about its autonomous driving technology and safety procedures on its website. Its vehicles use multiple sensors to monitor their surroundings and navigate streets.
Residents should follow established traffic safety practices when encountering autonomous vehicles. Pedestrians should use designated crossings, while motorists should obey traffic signals and maintain safe distances.
How to Request a Waymo Ride
Residents should follow normal roadway safety practices around Waymo vehicles. Pedestrians should use crosswalks, while motorists should obey stop signs and traffic signals and maintain a safe following distance.
Community members interested in trying the service can download the Waymo app to check whether their pickup and destination locations fall within the company’s service area.
Passengers can use the app to select their destinations, request rides, and view pickup information. However, service is available only within Waymo’s designated operating areas.
Waymo does not yet offer passenger pickups or drop-offs at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The company has discussed the possibility of providing airport service in the future.
As Waymo expands its service area, residents across more South Bay communities may encounter autonomous vehicles on local roads.
Sources:
Waymo – Information about the Los Angeles service area, requesting rides and airport availability
Editor’s Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from Waymo, local government sources, and news reporting. The presence of a Waymo vehicle in Lawndale does not independently establish that the vehicle was providing passenger service or operating within a designated service area. References to autonomous vehicle technology and safety procedures reflect information provided by the company and should not be interpreted as an independent assessment of its safety performance.
