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SF Drivers Demand Rules for Self-Driving Taxis
11 Jan
Summary
- Lyft and Uber drivers protested Waymo taxis in San Francisco.
- Concerns raised include pets being killed and traffic blockages.
- State regulators are considering new oversight for autonomous vehicles.
Human drivers for Lyft and Uber demonstrated in San Francisco against Waymo's autonomous taxis, calling for increased state regulatory oversight. The protest occurred as the California Public Utilities Commission met to discuss new regulations for self-driving vehicles.
Protesters highlighted safety concerns, including Waymo cars allegedly killing a pet cat in October and causing significant traffic jams during a December power outage. They argued that autonomous vehicles should be held to the same standards as human drivers.
Waymo, owned by Alphabet, stated its commitment to being the world's most trusted driver. However, recent incidents, such as Waymos blocking streets and an inability for police to ticket a vehicle without a human driver, have intensified calls for stricter safety measures.
