https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/self-driving-cars-autonomous-passengers-california/

California regulators have announced two pilot programs that allow transportation companies operating autonomous vehicles to provide rides to members of the public. These programs apply to any companies that use self-driving vehicles that have been approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and California Public Utilities Commission.

According to a statement issued by the CPUC, the first pilot program "authorizes Transportation Charter-Party Carrier (TCP) permit-holders to use test autonomous vehicles to provide passenger service, as long as the TCP permit-holder also holds an 'Autonomous Vehicle Tester Program Manufacturer's Testing Permit' issued by the DMV." In these cases, a driver is required to be in the vehicle, and the company is not allowed to charge passengers for the ride.