Uber is lobbying against a bill that would permit autonomous vehicles to operate in Washington, D.C., citing concerns that it would displace human drivers and hand Waymo a de facto monopoly. The company argues that robotaxis should operate on a ride-hailing network that also uses human drivers.
The proposed bill, which was introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen in May, would update the existing Autonomous Vehicle Act of 2012 to allow for driverless testing and commercial driverless operations within the district.
Uber's opposition to the bill puts it at odds with Waymo, which backs the legislation. The two companies will present their positions on the bill during a hearing on Monday. The outcome of the bill could have significant implications for the future of robotaxi development and the ride-hailing industry as a whole.
