Waymo autonomous vehicles – with drivers — are coming to San Diego

Yes, but: The visit is not a precursor to launching autonomous taxis in San Diego, company spokesperson Sandy Karp told Axios.

• "This is for learning and understanding," she said. "Like any other roadtrip, we go, take in the sights, meet with locals and then go to another destination."

State of play: Karp couldn't say when the cars will arrive, but they'll test in Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, downtown, Sherman Heights, and on I-5 and SR 163.

• They'll be here for a few weeks, before departing for just as long and then returning for two more months, Karp said.
• Waymo did not need special permits or permission to test here, since the cars will be driven by humans, but Karp said they've discussed their arrival with local officials.

How it works: Karp said Waymo chose San Diego for its similarity to cities with existing service, with cars, cyclists and pedestrians interacting in complex environments and on fast-moving roads and freeways, to see when systems behave similarly and when they act differently.

• The company has visited 25 cities for similar roadtrips previously, and is also sending cars to Michigan, upstate New York and Truckee, Calif. to test in snowy conditions.

Flashback: Cruise had previously deployed info-gathering cars with human drivers in San Diego in 2023, before the company folded late last year.