Lurie Announces Market Street to Open Up to Waymos

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced that Waymo's autonomous vehicles will soon be allowed to operate on Market Street, a previously car-free area, enabling them to pick up and drop off passengers downtown. This decision provides Waymo with privileges not available to rideshare services like Lyft and Uber, aiming to enhance access to the city's bustling commercial areas. However, the move has drawn criticism from local organizations, including KidSafe SF, which argue it will increase congestion and compromise the reliability of public transportation, particularly Muni. Critics like Dylan Fabris, a community and policy manager, have labeled the decision “dangerous” and “undemocratic,” fearing it establishes a monopoly for the Google-owned company. Meanwhile, businesses like ACT's Strand Theater hope for improved access to attract patrons, especially the elderly who prefer convenient drop-off points.

The announcement comes on the heels of Waymo's plans to offer services to San Francisco International Airport, further expanding its presence in the city. As the city balances innovation with the need for effective public transit, concerns about safety and accessibility on Market Street remain paramount. The collaboration between the city and Waymo will be closely monitored as the implications for local traffic and transit systems unfold.