Waymo lands permit to expand pilot program in California

The company will initially limit its rider pool to employees.

California regulators have approved a permit that will allow Waymo to launch a pilot program with passengers aboard in the state.

Terms of the California Public Utilities Commission permit provide more flexibility than the Department of Motor Vehicles test permits, enabling Waymo to offer rides, according to TechCrunch.

Terms of the California permits are more strict than the regulations that Waymo faces in Arizona, prohibiting the company from accepting payment for rides. The company is also required to keep a human safety driver behind the wheel.

"The CPUC allows us to participate in their pilot program, giving Waymo employees the ability to hail our vehicles and bring guests on rides within our South Bay territory," the company said in a statement. "This is the next step in our path to eventually expand and offer more Californians opportunities to access our self-driving technology, just as we have gradually done with Waymo One in Metro Phoenix."

Waymo is expected to gradually expand the range of its commercial service beyond the current Phoenix suburb in the coming years. The company has been cautious to avoid pinning down specific launch windows, however, leaving the timing unclear.