Overview
- Draft ordinance would bar fully autonomous operations until a city study is finished and permitting is in place, then require a human safety operator in each vehicle.
- Councilors discussed the measure at Government Operations hearings this week, with sponsors indicating more sessions are likely before any full vote.
- Labor United Against Waymo — including Teamsters Local 25 and other unions — rallied at City Hall urging passage, citing job losses and safety risks.
- A Teamsters paramedic warned robotaxis could impede ambulances, while a Waymo spokesperson argued the proposal amounts to a ban and said its vehicles improve safety.
- Waymo mapped Boston streets in May and operates paid driverless rides in several U.S. cities, as debate continues over a parallel state bill on driverless operation.