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Waymo to Start Mapping Portland Ahead of Future Autonomous Taxis
Waymo said it will use human drivers to map Portland roads and bridges as it works toward eventual public service.
- On Tuesday, Alphabet-owned Waymo announced it is coming to Portland, beginning with human-driven vehicles mapping streets to learn the city's corridors. This initial phase requires no city permits, as human drivers will operate the vehicles.
- The Portland Bureau of Transportation is updating administrative rules, TRN-14, to govern future autonomous vehicle permits. The company must obtain city permits before initiating driverless operations on Portland streets.
- Portland Mayor Keith Wilson supports the expansion, stating autonomous technology helps meet "Vision Zero" goals, while several city councilors and the local Drivers Union have voiced opposition to the move.
- Waymo currently lacks permits to operate autonomous vehicles in Portland, meaning its announcement effectively marks the start of mapping activities while the company negotiates a regulatory path for future deployment.
- Expansion plans include 21 additional cities for the company's self-driving service, though industry expert Grayson Brulte warns that entering markets where "policy is not ready yet" may create significant operational challenges.
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution90% Center
Bias Distribution
- 90% of the sources are Center
90% Center
C 90%
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