Waymo Starts Testing Self-Driving Cars In Chicago - But With Drivers, For Now
Block Club Chicago • • business
Key Points:
- Waymo has begun testing its autonomous vehicles on Chicago roads with manual drivers for mapping and early data collection, focusing on areas east of I-90 from the South Loop to Wrigleyville.
- The company requires changes to Illinois state driving laws before it can offer rides to the public, with legislation under consideration to allow pilot programs for autonomous cars in large counties like Cook.
- Chicago city officials acknowledged Waymo’s mapping activities but stated that self-driving tests without a human driver are not currently permitted, emphasizing ongoing dialogue with state lawmakers and community stakeholders.
- The rollout has faced opposition from labor and motorcyclist groups concerned about safety, job displacement, and the need for strict regulatory oversight, with some proposing alternative legislation involving state review
