Uber Launches Self-Driving Cars in Arizona After California Ban

(Bloomberg) -- Uber Technologies Inc. has expanded its self-driving car program to Tempe, Arizona, the second city where customers can test the ride-hailing company’s automated technology.

Beginning Tuesday, riders who request an UberX in Tempe will be matched with a self-driving car if one is available, according to a company spokeswoman.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, a proponent of self-driving cars, took the inaugural ride, the company said. Ducey wooed Uber to Arizona after its self-driving cars were banned from San Francisco’s streets in December by the California Department of Motor Vehicles after failing to register the vehicles for testing. Uber also is operating its self-driving vehicles in Pittsburgh.

Uber’s self-driving program comes as the company deals with criticism on several fronts, including a sexual harassment claim from a former software engineer and a boycott organized after Uber halted its surge pricing amid a temporary taxi strike in response to the early hours of President Donald Trump’s immigration ban.