Waymo and Rideshare Cars Return to Market Street

After five years, Market Street in San Francisco will see cars again. Starting August 26, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will allow Waymo autonomous vehicles and rideshare services such as Uber Black and Lyft Black to provide passenger pick-ups and drop-offs at designated locations along the corridor.

The designated pick-up and drop-off points are Mason Street in front of IKEA, Sixth Street near Blick, Taylor Street by the Warfield, two mid-block spots east of Jones Street near Urban Alchemy and Prism apartments, Seventh Street across from Proper Hotel, and Eighth Street at Trinity Place near Lighthouse for the Blind. Waymo vehicles will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Uber Black and Lyft Black will run from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Private cars are still not permitted in this area.

Mayor Daniel Lurie said the Market Street corridor is key to the city’s recovery. He explained that carefully expanding transportation options will help residents and visitors enjoy everything the street has to offer. The pilot program will allow the city to assess safety, transportation efficiency, and demand before any further changes.

This plan follows other city initiatives to revitalize downtown. The city has created entertainment zones, renewed programs for small businesses, and streamlined permitting processes to make downtown more accessible and lively.

The agreement marks a major change from the city’s earlier policy that prohibited ride-hailing pick-ups on Market Street. Uber and Lyft had opposed the 2020 ban, arguing it affected riders and local businesses, while city officials defended the restriction as a safety measure for pedestrians and cyclists.

Julie Kirschbaum, director of transportation at SFMTA, emphasized the need to balance safety and service. She noted that the agency must keep cyclists and pedestrians safe while ensuring that Muni and emergency services operate efficiently without disruption.

Waymo executives pointed out that their technology reduces collisions in the areas where their vehicles operate. Nicole Gavel, head of business development and strategic partnerships at Waymo, explained that the company has spent months mapping and coordinating with the city. Uber and Lyft also noted that rideshare traffic can help bring people back to downtown restaurants, hotels, and shops.

Some local business owners expressed support for the plan. Jeannie Kim, who owns several restaurants along Market Street, said the change is welcome news and a boost for small businesses that have faced challenges in recent years.

Not all groups are supportive. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition warned that allowing Waymo on Market Street could reverse safety gains. Claire Amable, the coalition’s director of advocacy, said that while Waymos are individually safe, more car traffic could make the street more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. The coalition believes car-free Market Street has created a safer environment for all users.

For rideshare drivers, this pilot introduces new pick-up and drop-off locations and operational hours. Drivers must navigate the corridor carefully while following the city’s rules to ensure safety and smooth service.

The pilot program is a step toward restoring activity on Market Street while maintaining attention to safety. It allows rideshare services and autonomous vehicles to operate in a controlled manner, providing access to key downtown locations and helping assess the needs of passengers and drivers in the area.

Source: The San Francisco Standard