Uber Launches Self-Driving Cars in Arizona After California Ban

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

Beginning next Tuesday, riders in Tempe who request an UberX service 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. He wooed Uber to Arizona after its self-driving cars were banned from San Francisco’s streets in December 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.