Californian masses can expect some good news as Voyage is all geared to bring self-driving service to public roads in the state. The news comes following the clearance of the regulatory hurdle which has helped the company expand its footholds.
According to reports, a permit was issued by the California Public Utilities Commission which will allow Voyage to transport passengers in its popular self-driving automobiles on the public roads of California.
As per sources familiar with the knowledge of the matter, the permit has placed Voyage in an elite list of thriving groups of corporations vying to expand its portfolio beyond the conventional AV testing. Apparently, Cruise, Aurora, Pony.ai, AutoX, Waymo, Zoox have got the nod to partake in the Drivered Autonomous Vehicle Passenger Service Pilot program of the CPUC.
In a journey towards broader commercialization, the much-needed permit has placed Voyage in a comfortable position. For the starters, the company was operating six autonomous vehicles in the villages of over 4,000 residents in California. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these activities happen to be suspended for the time being.
According to reports, the company did not require a CPUC permit as the community is made up of private roads. That said, Oliver Cameron, CEO of Voyage stated that they seek to comply with the law of the land irrespective of any technicalities. An audacious ambition to transport residents of the Villages to destinations outside of the community has instilled confidence among stakeholders of the company.
Elaborating on the prevailing situation, Oliver stressed that he wanted to provide a helping hand to people residing outside the Villages, towards grocery stores and hospitals.
For starters, the Drivered Autonomous Vehicle Passenger Service Pilot program leverages companies to function a ride-hailing service with the assistance of autonomous vehicles provided they adhere to specific rules.
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