In 2024, Waymo lobbyists ramped up their activities in San Francisco, reflecting a significant expansion drive in the city.
Data from lobbyist disclosure records by the San Francisco Examiner displayed an impressive rise in the meetings between Waymo-paid lobbyists and San Francisco government officials. The number surged to 348 times in 2024, a noticeable leap from the 137 reported times in 2023.
This lobbyist activity aligns with Waymo’s aggressive expansion plans within San Francisco, and the larger Bay Area. Since establishing its presence in the area in 2009, the firm began charging customers for services in 2023. Services are provided round the clock via their autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles.
Waymo’s expansion efforts involved growing its customer base and reach. In June 2024, the company launched its robotaxi services in San Francisco, eliminating waitlist hindrances for customers interested in the self-driving service. Furthermore, Waymo broadened its coverage area by 10 square miles to include additional Bay Area cities and commenced driverless vehicle testing on the city’s freeways.
Additionally, Waymo’s lobbyist activities suggest its interest in operating pickups and drop-offs at the San Francisco Airport, marking a separate surge in meetings with airport authority officials.
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