Uber Lobbies to Slow Autonomous Vehicle Adoption in the US
Uber is pushing for legislation in US states that would limit fully driverless taxi services, requiring that most rides be completed by human drivers.
Uber, which once considered autonomous vehicles an existential threat, has shifted its strategy from developing its own self-driving cars to becoming a platform that connects riders with both human-driven and autonomous vehicles. To achieve this, Uber lobbyists are advocating for laws that mandate "hybrid networks," where human drivers and robots work alongside each other.
In New Jersey, Uber representatives proposed legislative language that would require any platform offering driverless ride-hailing services to have human drivers complete 85% of rides for a period of three years. This would likely force companies like Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla, which operate their own robotaxi apps, to partner with existing ride-hail apps if they want to enter the market. The proposal is not currently part of a state bill that may be voted on this fall.
In Washington, D.C., Uber lobbyists also pushed for hybrid networks in a bill introduced in April that would allow driverless services under certain conditions. Emails obtained by WIRED show Uber thanking a staffer for committing to let ride-hail companies participate in the district's autonomous vehicle program.
Uber spokesperson Noah Edwardsen said the company supports AV technology but that industry proposals have been "largely unworkable" and have tried to lock out competitors. He called the New Jersey proposal "a compromise" given labor union opposition. Waymo spokesperson Ethan Teicher said his company does not support limiting AVs to specific network types and would welcome changes allowing different networks.
Uber's lobbying represents a shift from its earlier approach of evading regulation. The company now argues for a phased transition to protect drivers and cities, acknowledging that its past actions damaged trust.
