San Francisco launches driverless bus service following robotaxi expansion

San Francisco has launched an autonomous shuttle service - less than a week after California regulators approved the expansion of robotaxis despite traffic and safety concerns. The county is offering the shuttle service as part of a grant-funded pilot programme to assess how autonomous vehicles can supplement the public transit system. (For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today’s Cache)“Having the attendant on board makes everyone feel comfortable,” said Tilly Chang, executive director of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. “I didn’t feel unsafe,” said Dominic Lucchesi, an Oakland resident who was among the first to ride the autonomous shuttle. The autonomous shuttle pilot project was launched after the California Public Utilities Commission voted to allow two rival robotaxi companies, Cruise and Waymo, to offer around-the-clock passenger service in San Francisco.