Resistance to robotaxi expansion is growing in the US — The Verge
Disputes over robotaxi operating rules are intensifying in a number of US states and cities: authorities, unions and activists are demanding stricter control over safety, fleet scaling and the technology’s impact on employment. As The Verge reports, commercial autonomous transportation remains banned in New York State after Governor Kathy Hochul withdrew a proposal to allow robotaxis outside New York City due to objections from taxi drivers, unions and lawmakers.
In Washington, unions oppose a bill to legalize commercial robotaxis. The city council is considering a limit of 200 vehicles and a fee of 15 cents per mile traveled. The funds are expected to be directed toward upgrading Metro and supporting workers who may be displaced by automation. The city council’s hearing on the initiative in July lasted 10 hours.
Safety and city control
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who supports robotaxis, called for stronger regulation after incidents in which Waymo vehicles caused traffic jams during emergencies and major events. Since July, California police have also been able to officially hold autonomous vehicle manufacturers accountable for traffic violations committed by their driverless cars.
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At the federal level, the US still has no comprehensive robotaxi legislation. At the same time, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned companies that autonomous vehicles unable to safely interact with police, firefighters and other emergency services pose a danger to the public. Texas began applying new permit requirements for commercial autonomous transport operators this year, while cities in Florida complain that state laws limit their ability to respond to problems on their own roads.
Companies also support rules
Market leader Waymo operates more than 3,500 vehicles in 11 US cities and makes more than 500,000 paid trips each week. By comparison, Uber processes about 40 million trips a day, so robotaxis still account for an insignificant share of the ride-hailing market. Zoox began providing paid rides in Las Vegas and offers free rides to participants in its Explorer program in San Francisco.
Waymo and Zoox say they support regulation and advocate clearer rules at the federal, state and local levels. Waymo, however, opposes a permanent 200-vehicle limit in Washington, proposing that fleet expansion be allowed after safe operation is confirmed. The Teamsters union calls autonomous vehicles a threat to taxi, truck and delivery drivers and other commercial transportation workers, and seeks mandatory presence of a trained operator in heavy autonomous trucks.
