Waymo mapped Boston's streets aiming for self-driving vehicle deployment, facing significant skepticism from local officials and community members. A City Council hearing revealed many unanswered questions about public safety and potential job losses. Waymo's representatives emphasized safety records and benefits, but local councilors and labor leaders expressed deep concerns. Proposed legislation on Beacon Hill could regulate AVs, but Boston officials indicate a cautious, possibly slow approach to AV integration, exemplified by calls for an advisory council to examine potential local impacts.
As Waymo representatives touted the company's safety record and other potential benefits, officials from within the Wu administration stressed that they still had many questions about whether Boston is right for AV deployment.
Councilors echoed this hesitancy, while labor leaders and the drivers who could potentially be replaced voiced their deep concerns.
Legislation is pending on Beacon Hill that would create a regulatory framework for AVs in Massachusetts, and the company could face a steep uphill battle there.
Councilors Henry Santana and Erin Murphy introduced an ordinance Thursday that would create an advisory council to assess how AVs would impact public safety, traffic, local businesses, and much more.
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