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Waymo is seeking California’s permission to expand its footprint in the South Bay, offering fared robotaxi rides throughout San Jose and along the peninsula.

Waymo on March 25 added Washington to its pioneering robotaxi service’s expanding list of U.S. markets, although passengers will have to wait until next year to take a driverless ride.

The company has been spending more time pitching its vision for the future of its gig-economy business model as it plays catch-up in offering autonomous rides.

Momentum for driverless technology is building in Japan, which has not kept pace with the global shift to autonomous driving, so far led by China and the U.S. 

Uber will shift into a new gear in Austin, Texas, on March 4 when its ride-hailing service will begin dispatching self-driving cars to pick up passengers.

Tesla is seeking approval to offer ride-hailing services in California, a key step by Elon Musk’s company to begin carrying paying customers while its traditional business falters.

The FMCSA research aims to determine if modern warning devices for parked or disabled commercial motor vehicles can reduce crashes. It will collect data from 256 truck drivers.

Waymo is gearing up to bring its robotaxi service to Miami, which will accelerate an expansion that’s been happening while its hobbled rivals remain in its rearview mirror.

Zoox’s self-driving vehicles began rolling out in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood this week, and are expected to compete with robotaxis designed by Waymo.

Waymo on Nov. 12 opened its robotaxi service to anyone who wants a ride around Los Angeles, marking another milestone in the evolution of self-driving car technology.