Waymo’s Lobbying Game Just Went BEAST MODE

Hold onto your seats, because Waymo isn’t just rolling out self-driving cars—they’re rolling out a full-scale lobbying juggernaut. According to a bombshell report by the San Francisco Examiner, Waymo’s lobbyists met with San Francisco government officials a staggering 348 times in 2024. That’s more than double the 137 meetings they logged in 2023. Talk about stepping on the gas!

Why the Sudden Surge? Expansion is the Name of the Game

This isn’t just about schmoozing with officials—it’s about dominating the streets. Waymo’s lobbying spike aligns perfectly with its aggressive expansion in San Francisco and the broader Bay Area. Here’s the breakdown:

• 24/7 Robotaxi Service: Since August 2023, Waymo has been charging customers for rides in its fleet of self-driving Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, operating around the clock.
• No More Waitlists: In June 2024, Waymo ditched its waitlist, opening the floodgates for eager customers to hop into its autonomous rides.
• Expanded Coverage: The company added another 10 square miles to its service area, stretching into Bay Area cities and even testing driverless vehicles on SF freeways.
• Airport Ambitions: Waymo is gunning for the ultimate prize—picking up and dropping off passengers at San Francisco International Airport. Lobbyist data shows a noticeable uptick in meetings with airport authority officials.

“Waymo isn’t just playing the game—they’re rewriting the rules. Their lobbying efforts are a clear signal: they’re here to dominate.”

TechCrunch, July 2024

What’s Next for Waymo?

With this level of lobbying firepower, Waymo isn’t just aiming for incremental growth—they’re gunning for total market control. From freeways to airports, their vision for a driverless future is crystal clear. And if their 2024 lobbying blitz is any indication, they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

So, buckle up, San Francisco. Waymo’s self-driving revolution is just getting started—and they’re lobbying hard to make sure nothing stands in their way.