(NEWSnet/AP) — Self-driving car pioneer Waymo has announced that its robotaxis will now be able to transport passengers through most of the Phoenix area.

The company's cars will also start to carry volunteers for autonomous vehicle tests in the the challenging driving conditions of San Francisco.

Both steps, announced Thursday, are seen as part of a long-range effort to provide an alternative to human-powered ride-hailing services.

The Phoenix test area for Waymo’s robotaxis is now about 180 square miles, or double in size as compared to just a few months ago. The first rides in Phoenix started in late 2020.

The testing area in San Francisco involves a densely populated area known for hilly roads and frequent fog. But rides are taking place at all times of day with employees and volunteers who are on a waiting list. California regulators have not yet given approval for charging fares for such rides.

“There are clearly additional learnings that we are responding to,” Saswat Panigrahi, Waymo's chief product officer, said in about the California terrain.

Waymo began as a secret project within Google more than a decade ago.

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