Introduction

Cruise, a subsidiary of General Motors, will decrease its robotaxi fleet by 50% in San Francisco, as confirmed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), according to .

Background

In recent incidents, Cruise’s autonomous vehicles in San Francisco have been involved in multiple crashes, including one collision with a fire truck. These self-driving cars appeared to stall in intersections, raising concerns about their safety.

Implications

This reduction in fleet size is a setback for Cruise, which recently launched a paid robotaxi service in San Francisco. Cruise and Alphabet’s Waymo were granted permission to expand their driverless operations and carry paying passengers 24/7 throughout the city. Cruise currently operates with a waitlist.

These incidents have sparked a growing debate in San Francisco regarding the use of driverless cars. Critics argue that they pose risks and hinder firefighters and other first responders, while advocates claim that they offer innovation and can make transportation in the city more affordable and convenient.

Investigation and Fleet Reduction

The DMV is currently investigating the recent incidents involving Cruise vehicles. A DMV spokesperson stated that Cruise has been requested to immediately reduce its active fleet by 50% until the investigation is complete and appropriate corrective actions are taken to improve road safety. Cruise has agreed to this reduction and will operate no more than 50 autonomous vehicles during the day and 150 during the evening. Previously, Cruise operated 300 cars at night and 100 during the day.

Response from Cruise

Cruise’s general manager in San Francisco, Greg Dietrerich, addressed the incident involving a Cruise vehicle and a fire truck. He mentioned various contributing factors, such as obstructed visibility due to buildings at the intersection and the fire truck driving in the wrong lane to bypass a red light. Dietrerich emphasized Cruise’s commitment to working with regulators and city departments to minimize the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.

Other Incidents

Recent news reports have highlighted additional incidents involving Cruise’s fleet. These include a Cruise vehicle getting stuck in concrete, an autonomous vehicle with a passenger being hit by another driver (who ran a red light), and a group of Cruise vehicles causing traffic disruptions outside a music festival.

Note: This story includes reporting by ‘s Lora Kolodny.