Waymo is starting robotaxi service in San Diego

Waymo, the driverless taxi company that operates in more than 10 cities, will soon serve customers in San Diego. The company announced the expansion Wednesday and said rides without a human driver became available to employees Thursday and will open to members of the public later this year. In San Diego, services will be provided with the Ojai, a cheaper robotaxi launched in May that is better equipped for difficult driving conditions such as snowy roads. Waymo also announced Wednesday it's beginning autonomous driving with a safety driver in its newest retrofitted vehicle, the Hyundai IONIQ 5. The company said this phase allows it to validate its technology for fully autonomous operations as it works to bring riders even more ways to enjoy Waymo in the future. Waymo's San Diego service area will include Pacific Beach, Normal Heights, La Playa and Southcrest, among other neighborhoods.