Downtown Fremont is about to get some new neighbors on its sidewalks and bike lanes, as the City Council has signed off on a pilot program that will let DoorDash’s Dot delivery robots roam the streets. The test will roll out slowly at first, with a small, closely supervised demo that could expand to dozens of self-driving units if things go smoothly. Residents are expected to get their first up-close look during Fremont Restaurant Week in early March, when Dot is slated to make its inaugural delivery. City officials say the pilot is designed to give local restaurants a boost while keeping safety and community feedback front and center.
Pilot phases, routes and conditions
The council approved a phased encroachment permit that starts with Phase 1A,…..