How CPUC Handles AV Permits, Data, and Enforcement (Pat Tsen)

Pat Tsen, Deputy Executive Director at the CPUC joins Harry to explain who regulates robotaxis in California, what it takes to get a permit, and how enforcement, transparency, and data all work. (00:00) Introduction to Shao (Pat) Tsen (03:34) Introduction to the CPUC and their areas of regulation (05:03) Pat’s role at the CPUC (08:37) CPUC vs DMV: Who Regulates What? (10:54) Steps to launching a robotaxi service in California—and the different types of permits (14:05) The CPUC’s technology-agnostic role in AV regulation (15:05) Why Tesla’s robotaxi isn’t considered an autonomous vehicle service in California (18:35) What it takes to get an AV permit from the CPUC (21:35) Is the CPUC’s AV permit approval process more subjective or objective? (24:55) Enforcement, reporting, and data collection for AV companies under the CPUC’s jurisdiction (30:21) What robotaxi companies currently have to report to the CPUC, including new stoppage event requirements (32:45) What AV company data is made publicly available? (37:10) How the CPUC handles new edge cases and teleoperations (41:44) Limits of the CPUC’s oversight (43:00) Conclusions and final thoughts https://www.thedriverlessdigest.com/p...