Wired
Free Waymo Rides in California? You Can Thank a Regulatory Quirk
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Waymo's robotaxi rides in Ojai, California may operate without passenger fares for several months due to a delay in state regulatory approval. The California Public Utilities Commission has not yet issued final pricing authorization for the service. Waymo launched driverless rides in the Ojai area while awaiting the regulatory clearance required to charge passengers.
