California Authorizes Zoox for First Pilot of 'Drivered' AV Passenger Service

The California Public Utilities Commission authorized self-driving car company Zoox to participate in California’s first pilot providing “drivered” autonomous vehicle (AV) passenger service to the public, the CPUC said Friday. Passengers will be able to ride in a vehicle that operates autonomously, but Zoox has to have a trained test driver present in the driver’s seat ready to take over if needed, the commission said. The ride-hailing company isn't allowed to charge passengers for rides in test AVs. Zoox, which has the required AV testing permit from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, is the first entrant into the CPUC pilot program. Companies participating in the pilot will submit data and reports to the CPUC on incidents, passenger miles traveled in test AVs, emissions, execution of passenger safety protocols and other elements of passenger safety and consumer protection, it said. Zoox also obtained the testing permit required from CPUC for carriers wanting to transport citizens in AVs.