Robotaxi Gridlock: Power Outage Sparks San Francisco Earthquake Readiness Probe

San Francisco officials have called for a formal hearing to investigate Waymo’s self-driving taxis. This follows a major disruption during a recent citywide power outage. The company’s autonomous vehicles experienced widespread problems when the electricity failed. According to reports, many taxis stopped operating or required remote human assistance. The incident has raised urgent new questions. City leaders now doubt the vehicles’ readiness for larger emergencies, like a major earthquake. The hearing will examine the specific failures during the outage. Its goal is to determine if the robotaxis can operate safely during future crises. A Waymo spokesperson stated the company is reviewing the event. They emphasized their commitment to safety and reliability. San Francisco’s move signals growing scrutiny of autonomous vehicles in complex urban environments. The core question remains: can this technology handle a real disaster?