Coco is one of the delivery robot companies used in the city of West Hollywood. (photo courtesy of Coco)

West Hollywood approved its contract with Coco and Serve for delivery robot operation within the city, following a multiyear pilot program, at its Dec. 1 City Council meeting. Although it was approved, some concerns were raised by the council members, particularly with how much revenue the city gleans from partnerships and what potential sidewalk upgrades are needed in order for the robots to operate without impeding foot traffic.

“The biggest benefit is cutting down on car trips and emissions from those short deliveries, which really supports our climate action goals,” Councilman Danny Hang said. “It also helps our restaurants stay competitive in this modern delivery world by giving them another reliable way to reach customers. The council’s actions set clear rules so the robots operate safely and predictably, keeping sidewalks accessible for everyone. It’s about embracing smart technology in a way that works for both people and the businesses that rely on it.”

“The biggest benefit of delivery robots is that they reduce traffic congestion and cut down on short-trip vehicle deliveries, which improves safety and sustainability,” Councilman John Erickson said following the meeting. “The steps the council took ensure robots operate only where it’s safe and predictable, so pedestrians, seniors and people with disabilities always have clear access to the sidewalk. Additionally, as it was reported, there are just a few complaints, typically from the same people who just hate the program.  That’s not how we should make policy.”

Erickson noted that 34,000 trips were made by Coco and Serve in the first six months of the year. Vice Mayor John Heilman echoed Erickson’s sentiments but spoke to some of the concerns discussed at the council meeting.

“The robots are being used by a lot of our restaurants to deliver short distances in the city,” he said. “Every trip by one of the delivery robots is one less trip by a car. While the program has been successful, we also need to ensure that the robots are programmed to ensure accessibility on our sidewalks. We have already identified some streets where the robots can’t operate because the sidewalks are too narrow. We need to continue to monitor the robots to make sure they are operated according to our regulations.”

Among the streets that have sidewalks deemed too narrow for the robots is Fountain Avenue, which will undergo a extensive transformation in the years to come to widen the sidewalks and add bike lanes. Resident Yola Dore spoke at the meeting to voice concerns with the robots.

“We all know Route 66,” Dore said. “[But] 66 is an even more important number. This is the width our sidewalks need to be to be accessible in order for a person with disabilities and a robot to walk on the same sidewalk simultaneously. It must be 66 inches. So, to say that only two sidewalks do not qualify [as accessible] is absurd. Many sidewalks on the east side, like North Vista, do not meet the necessary criteria for accessibility. More research needs to be done before going forward. After all, disabled persons deserve their equal 66 access on neighborhood sidewalks throughout our WeHo.”

Councilwoman Lauren Meister – the lone “no” vote – remained steadfastly against the robot system.

“I’m not really supportive of the robots because of the accessibility issues, supervision issues, and I also don’t think that the city is getting enough of a fee for allowing them to operate in the city,” Meister said during the meeting. “We have to weigh things and while we may be saving some trips on the street, we may be affecting walkability in the city. And the city is known to be one of the most walkable cities in the country, so I’m not supportive of the item.”

Several residents spoke in favor the robot’s use.

“They reduce the number of cars driving through our neighborhoods, which means less noise and less congestion,” resident Stephen W. said. “They help local businesses with delivery without adding more drivers.”

“I want to highlight how delivery service directly supports our small businesses and local restaurants,” resident Rodrigo Bonta said. “We know all how delivery can cause and can make or break their margins, and these robots keep [a] more affordable, reliable way to serve the customers, which [make them more] competitive, especially with the big chains. This kind of innovation keeps money in our community and help our favorite local places thrive.”