Uber's robotaxi lobbying strategy clashes with Waymo in Washington D.C.
Uber is lobbying against a proposed autonomous vehicle bill in D.C., arguing it would give Waymo a monopoly and displace human drivers. Instead, Uber proposes a hybrid model where robotaxis operate alongside human drivers on the same platform.
A proposed bill in Washington, D.C. that would permit autonomous vehicles to operate without human drivers has sparked a conflict between ride-hailing giant Uber and robotaxi leader Waymo. Uber is actively lobbying against the legislation, arguing that it would create a monopoly for Waymo and push human drivers out of work. Instead, the company advocates for a hybrid system in which self-driving cars and human-driven vehicles share a single ride-hailing platform.
The bill, introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen, would update existing laws to allow driverless testing and commercial operations in the district. Companies like Waymo and Zoox currently can only test with safety drivers. The proposal requires AV operators to carry at least $5 million in liability insurance and report crashes within 8 or 72 hours, depending on the vehicle type. It also includes a $0.15-per-mile tax on robotaxis, with half the revenue going to public transit and the rest to retraining displaced drivers.
Uber submitted a letter in June outlining its vision: a hybrid network where customers can choose between a robotaxi and a human-driven car. Uber argues this approach ensures consumer choice and protects jobs. Waymo, however, disputes that the bill would limit networks and says it supports flexible regulation.
Both companies will present their positions at a day-long hearing on Monday. Labor unions, disability advocates, and other stakeholders are also scheduled to speak.
Uber's push for regulation is part of a broader strategy to maintain its dominance in the ride-hailing market. The company has invested in numerous AV developers and recently launched AV Labs to collect driving data. At the same time, it is promoting policies that require robotaxis to operate within platforms that also employ human drivers. Critics call this 'regulatory capture' and argue it would stifle innovation.
The fight is particularly significant given the two companies' history. Waymo sued Uber in 2017 over trade secret theft, but they later partnered, placing Waymo vehicles on Uber's app in Phoenix. That partnership ended in May.
The outcome in D.C. could set a precedent for other cities considering AV regulations. Uber's hybrid model has been promoted in other states as well. The bill's passage is not imminent; many hope it will pass before Mayor Bowser leaves office in January.
