Waymo Expands Self-Driving Service Area in California
California has approved an expanded service area for Waymo, a self-driving car company, which now includes the East Bay and Sonoma County.
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, August 17, 2026 —
Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company, has received approval to expand its service area in California. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has authorized the company to offer fully driverless rides throughout a larger region, encompassing parts of the East Bay and extending into Sonoma County.
This expansion marks a significant step for Waymo’s operations in the state, building upon its existing services in San Francisco and other areas. The newly approved zones will allow Waymo’s autonomous vehicles to operate without a safety driver behind the wheel in these additional locations.
The CPUC’s decision follows a period of review and public comment. The exact details regarding the boundaries of the expanded service area and the timeline for full implementation were not provided in the available information.
Waymo has been testing and operating its self-driving vehicles in California for several years. The company’s technology is designed to navigate complex urban environments, and this expansion indicates a growing confidence in its capabilities across a wider geographical scope.
Residents and visitors in the newly included areas of the East Bay and Sonoma County may soon have access to Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service. The specific services available, such as availability of vehicles and operational hours, will be determined by Waymo as it integrates these new territories into its network.
Story summarized from the original created by Natallie Rocha on sfstandard.com, see more information here.
