Robotaxi company Zoox unveils mural to beautify SoMa area

Robotaxi service Zoox unveiled a mural this week designed to bring more vibrancy to the area where SoMa meets the Mission District.

Why it matters: Mayor London Breed sees the artwork as an opportunity to uplift San Francisco’s diverse communities and local artists and contribute to the city’s revitalization efforts, she said in a statement.

Driving the news:Zoox partnered with the Fillmore-based African American Art and Culture Complex and local artist Apexer to beautify the exterior of the self-driving car company’s office on Bryant Street.

What they’re saying: The goal “was to create an art piece that resonates with the local community and adds some color to the neighborhood,” Phil Pierce, a public policy manager at Zoox, told Axios via email.

The big picture: The robotaxi company, owned by Amazon, has yet to receive the regulatory approval to deploy its commercial service in San Francisco.

• Zoox needs approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Public Utilities Commission to charge members of the public for fully autonomous rides.
• You’ve likely seen Zoox testing its cars in San Francisco, but the company has made the most headway in the South Bay and Las Vegas, where Zoox has been testing fully driverless rides with employees, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

What we’re watching: Zoox has yet to share a timeline for the launch of its commercial service, but plans to first let members of the public ride in Las Vegas, followed by San Francisco, according to Zoox spokesperson Whitney Jencks.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include Zoox spokesperson Whitney Jencks.

Source: www.axios.com