How did Waymo get onto Market Street?

Mayor Daniel Lurie's recent announcement that Waymo's autonomous taxis will soon operate on Market Street has stirred debate among city officials and residents alike. The street, known for its central role in San Francisco, has been closed to private vehicles since 2020, as part of the Better Market Street Plan aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility. Former Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin expressed confusion over the announcement, emphasizing that the intent behind the original plan was to ban private vehicles entirely. He pointed out that while Waymo's commercial fleet meets legal requirements to operate on Market, the overarching goal was to limit traffic and improve the urban experience. Lurie contends that welcoming Waymo is a step toward evolving transportation options that could stimulate economic activity downtown.

Critics, including Peskin, argue that real revitalization will require addressing issues like exorbitant rents and recent cuts to public transit services. The mayor's press office confirmed that no legal changes have been made to the Better Market Street Plan, suggesting that Waymo’s presence is more about encouraging usage rather than altering regulations. As the city navigates these changes, the balance between innovation and established urban policy remains a focal point of discussion.