Mayor Lurie Opens Market Street to Waymo Cars

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has announced that Waymo's autonomous vehicles will soon be allowed to operate on the 'car-free' section of Market Street as part of a downtown revitalization effort. This decision aims to provide a safe, sustainable transportation option and boost business in the area, which includes shopping, theaters, hotels, and restaurants. Critics, including mobility advocates such as Walk San Francisco and the San Francisco Transit Riders, argue that reintroducing vehicles to this corridor could compromise pedestrian and cyclist safety, citing past safety improvements from the car ban. Despite these concerns, Waymo will begin mapping the street, with passenger services expected to start by summer. This move coincides with San Francisco Metropolitan Transit Authority's plans to reduce Muni services due to a substantial budget deficit. The decision has sparked debate about transportation priorities and the balance between innovation and safety on one of the city's main thoroughfares.