Waymo Starts Mapping San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has granted Waymo a temporary permit to map its roadways, marking a significant step towards potentially offering robotaxi services at the airport. The 30-day permit allows for the operation of two Waymo vehicles with human drivers and prohibits any commercial activity, a condition that helped gain support from the Teamsters union. Mayor Daniel Lurie praised the deal as a victory for transportation options and economic recovery in San Francisco. The mapping initiative is part of Waymo's broader plans to expand its services in the region, with SFO being the first airport in California to allow such operations. The agreement is designed to ensure safety and community impact while collecting essential data for future autonomous vehicle deployment. Waymo’s ability to operate at SFO could significantly benefit both the company and the airport's travelers.