Waymo set to bring robotaxi services to SFO after two required safety phases

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Waymo just got approved to roll out their autonomous vehicles in phases at San Francisco International Airport.

"We got Waymo's driving all over the city right now. We are the city of the future. It has to happen here, and it will," said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.

Waymo mapped the airport which is in San Mateo County, in the spring - a process that took 30 days. Mayor Lurie said safety will be the focus.

"There will be making sure that the cars are safe and reliable coming into the city, but this is the first step we are going to get there as quickly as we can, but it has to be safe," said Mayor Lurie.

Waymo will need to pass two phases before it's open to the public on phase three.

"Phase one is essentially testing the operation on our roadways. Meaning no passengers, just autonomous operation with a Waymo driver behind the wheel just in case. Phase two will be fully autonomous with no driver. The passengers will be either Waymo employees or SFO employees," said Doug Yakel, SFO spokesperson.

MORE: Waymo, premium rideshares can now drive on car-free corridor of SF's Market St. for limited service

Every week, SFO officials are meeting with Waymo to discuss the progress before approving the EVs to pick up or drop off passengers.

Luz Pena: "What are guys looking into right now to get to that phase?"
Doug Yakel: "So, it is really all about addressing the unknown. What happens if a vehicle stalls in the middle of a roadway. What is our recoverability."

Waymo is already operating to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport..

In statement, Waymo said they are also ahead in the process in San Jose.

"We intend to begin commercial operation at SJC later this year, and have made initial contact with OAK."

MORE: Waymo to offer commercial robotaxi services at San Jose airport starting this year

Mookie Patel, Director of Aviation at San Jose Mineta International Airport, said they have been testing for months.

"We've worked with them for quite some time now, trying to understand our curbside access, some of the constraints that we have. The cars are very safe. They drive within the speed limits. There's no accidental you know, driving over the speed limit," said Patel.

Grabbing a Waymo will be different than other rideshare. While Uber and Lyft can drop you off at the curb and pick you up at the central parking center, Waymo passengers will be picked up and dropped off at the "Kiss and Fly" section of the airport by the rental car center and have to take the AirTrain to get to their terminal.

At SFO, passengers had mixed opinions.

"I can't wait to use them," said Roshanak Habibnejad. "It is going to be very convenient, and we don't have to tell Uber to go."

"I think it will end up taking out all the Lyft and Uber drivers and then also the Taxi drivers so kind of a whole industry, but at the same time they are a lot safer and everything, so I see pros and cons to it," said Camille Freeman.

Waymo could pick up and drop off passengers as early as the end of this year.