""I'm not against the technology, but I can't support something that's going to leave that many people without a way of making an income," Sepulveda told Streetsblog, echoing many who appreciate the possible safety gains from AV technology, but fear the human cost to flesh-and-blood taxi and rideshare drivers."
""Ultimately, Waymo's going to want to expand, and they're going to want to dominate the industry," Sepulveda said. "It makes business sense for them. So I don't know if you can have that compromise.""
""This proposal overlooks these benefits and ignores the communities seeking a safer, more accessible alternative to the status quo," the company said in a statement."
State Sen. Luis Sepulveda and Assembly Member Karines Reyes introduced legislation (S9038/A10087) that would require a human driver to always be at the wheel of taxis to halt the spread of robo-taxis. The proposal responds to concerns about significant job losses for taxi and rideshare drivers and seeks to prevent companies like Waymo from expanding driverless fleets without workforce protections. Governor Hochul included budget language allowing municipalities outside New York City to pilot driverless cabs, creating a legal and political hurdle for the bill. Sepulveda expressed openness to job-training programs for displaced drivers, while Waymo argued driverless fleets improve safety, accessibility, and create jobs.
Read at Streetsblog
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