Mayor Lurie Welcomes Autonomous Vehicles To Market Street As Part of Revitalization of Downtown San Francisco

Mayor Daniel Lurie announced that Waymo's autonomous vehicles will operate on Market Street, enhancing downtown San Francisco's accessibility. The mapping process will begin shortly, with passenger service anticipated to launch this summer. This initiative complements existing transportation options and is part of a larger strategy to revitalize the downtown area. Lurie’s plan includes the creation of five new entertainment zones and the renewal of the First Year Free Program, which has benefited numerous small businesses. Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana highlighted their positive impact on safety since launching in the city in 2023, with thousands of trips taken weekly across various transportation modes.

Muni ridership surged in 2024, reaching 75% of pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating a renewed interest in public transit. Market Street has a rich history as a central route in San Francisco, evolving significantly since the 1800s. The introduction of autonomous vehicles marks a significant step in the city's ongoing commitment to transportation innovation.