Waymo and Cruise can now charge for robotaxi rides in California

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has granted and permission to start operating commercial robotaxi services as long as there's a safety driver in the car. The companies can now pick up passengers and charge for rides. They can also offer shared rides. 

Under the Drivered Deployment permits, GM-owned Cruise can operate robotaxi services on certain roads in San Francisco between 10PM and 6AM with a speed limit of 30 miles per hour. Alphabet's Waymo, on the other hand, can run a robotaxi service around the clock in certain areas of San Francisco and San Mateo counties. Its automated vehicles can travel at up to 65 miles per hour. However, neither company's service can operate in heavy rain or fog.

Waymo hundreds of riders have used a free version of the service since it in August, while tens of thousands are on the waitlist. It plans to start offering paid trips in the coming weeks. The company it will take what it learned from running its first in Arizona to bolster its San Francisco operations. Engadget has asked Cruise for details about its rollout of commercial services in California.

Both companies have driverless rides in San Francisco, but they can't offer commercial services without safety drivers in California just yet.