General Motors is growing rapidly with its autonomous taxi service in the United States. This summer, the automaker received the green light to start its actual operations on San Francisco’s streets and it looks like it’s just the beginning. Cruise, GM’s robotaxi division, has ambitious plans to roll out its service in a growing number of cities and other markets next year.
Reuters recently spoke with Cruise Chief Operating Officer Gil West who told the publication that the expansion will begin with Austin and Phoenix, which will soon be added to San Francisco. “You’ll probably see us expand the number of markets in large numbers over the next year,” West added, without providing further details on which cities will follow after Austin and Phoenix. However, the company’s ultimate plan is to accelerate the adoption of its self-driving technology to more cities using a “repeat playbook” developed in the first three cities where the service will be available.
What’s more interesting – and to us, this piece has even more potential – Cruise is also testing autonomous delivery vehicles and Walmart is an investor in the project. The retail chain is currently using a pilot fleet of Cruise Origin prototypes at eight stores in Phoenix and West Reuters delivery services have “the potential to become a huge part of the business.”
Currently, Cruise operates approximately 30 fully electric Chevrolet Bolt cabs around San Francisco and more are expected to be added soon. Initially, the rides were free as a business promotional activity and were only available to users with Cruise accounts. For now, Cruise is by invitation only until more cars are added to the fleet.
However, there are some limitations. First you have to join the waiting list and as soon as a spot opens up you will receive an invite. You can then start using the self-driving service with up to two guests at a time, but as long as they are at least 18 years old. Children and pets are not allowed, at least for now.
