SAN FRANCISCO – (INT) – Autonomous vehicles may be step closer to acceptance.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) meets May 10th to decide if transportation companies using autonomous vehicles can conduct pilot programs to provide rides to members of the public. The vehicles would have to be permitted to operate by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and under the CPUC’s jurisdiction.

The initial pilot program would allow companies to provide passenger service using autonomous vehicles with a trained driver in the vehicle. The second pilot program would allow passenger service that meet the requirements set out by the DMV, including requirements to remotely monitor the status and operation of the vehicle.

Companies participating in the pilot programs may not charge for the rides until further CPUC approval.

Story Date: May 10, 2018