City and County of S.F. v. Public Utilities Com.

Filed 1/14/

CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FIRST APPELLATE DISTRICT

DIVISION ONE

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN

FRANCISCO et al., A169262 Petitioners, (PUC No. 23-11-053) v.

PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION,

Respondent;

WAYMO, LLC,

Real Party in Interest.

This is an original writ of review proceeding filed by the City and County of San Francisco and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (Petitioners) challenging a decision by the Public Utilities Commission to issue a phase I driverless autonomous vehicle (AV) deployment permit to Waymo, LLC for fared passenger service in San Francisco and parts of San Mateo County. As we shall explain, this permitting action was taken in accordance with policies and procedures set forth in a prior decision of the Commission, issued after lengthy proceedings in which the Commission considered and addressed myriad policy and operational concerns, including safety concerns, about the licensing of “drivered” (meaning AVs with a driver present) and driverless AVs for hire. Petitioners participated in those proceedings and did not challenge the Commission’s decision…