Rideshare drivers raise concerns over robo-taxi proposal
Hochul's proposal would expand the state's autonomous vehicle pilot program, allowing a limited number of driverless rideshare vehicles to operate outside New York City.
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Rideshare drivers are voicing concerns about a proposal that would allow limited testing of fully autonomous rideshare vehicles outside New York City.
Michele Dottin, an Ocean Hill, Brooklyn resident, has worked as a rideshare driver for 11 years.
She said the proposal threatens one of the few remaining paths to stable independent contract work.
"There are not too many places where you can be an independent contractor and still maintain a decent livelihood," Dottin said.
Dottin worries that even a small rollout of autonomous vehicles could impact drivers' earnings.
"Putting even one autonomous vehicle out there, those TNC drivers are going to suffer," she said, referring to transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft.
Hochul's proposal would expand the state's autonomous vehicle pilot program, allowing a limited number of driverless rideshare vehicles to operate outside New York City.
Currently, eight Waymo self-driving vehicles are being tested in the city, each with a trained specialist behind the wheel.
The Independent Drivers Guild, a union representing rideshare drivers, said it is concerned about both safety and wages.
"We are very, very concerned," said Brendan Sexton, president of the guild. "What we've seen in other areas where robo-taxis have launched is a decrease in wages for workers. We've also seen serious safety concerns."
Sexton pointed to incidents in San Francisco last month in which Waymo vehicles lost power and blocked multiple streets.
Waymo officials said they are working with the governor's office on the proposal and emphasized the company's safety record.
"Gov. Hochul's proposal to legalize fully autonomous vehicles is a transformative moment for New York's transportation system," said Justin Kintz, Waymo's head of global public policy. "With the governor's leadership, New York has the opportunity to pair its investments in slower speeds, better traffic enforcement and first-in-the-nation congestion management strategies with Waymo's demonstrably safe technology."
Kintz added that the company is ready to work with state leaders to bring new infrastructure, career opportunities and investment to New York.
A spokesperson for Hochul said the governor is committed to protecting workers while cautiously exploring new technology.
"Governor Hochul will always stand with workers and has no interest in advancing policies that put hard-working New Yorkers' jobs at risk," said Sean Butler, a spokesperson for the governor. "Autonomous vehicle pilots are underway in many states, and this proposal is a limited, safety-focused way to test new technology."
