While they can both in theory charge now for autonomous delivery services, they are still a step away from being able to charge for robotaxi services.
Waymo’s “drivered deployment permit” allows the operator to also charge money while operating an AV, but with a driver in the front seat. On Thursday, Cruise received a “driverless deployment permit,” which means it can receive compensation for services provided without a safety operator in the front seat. The California Department of Motor Vehicles gave General Motors-backed Cruise and Alphabet-owned Waymo the green light to start charging for autonomous services offered to the public.
