San Diego MTS Votes 12–1 to Oppose Driverless Expansion Without Local Oversight

Overview

• In a near-unanimous vote, the MTS Board approved a resolution opposing the growth of services like Waymo unless cities can regulate them.
• The board will urge the Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom to restore local authority to decide whether autonomous vehicles may operate in their jurisdictions.
• MTS plans to file formal protests with the CPUC and DMV and backs prohibiting driverless pickups at San Diego International Airport.
• Waymo has begun preliminary operations in the region and says it aims to start service later this year, emphasizing community engagement in new markets.
• Taxi-worker leaders and some officials cite safety and job impacts, while Mayor Todd Gloria and senior advocates point to potential accessibility benefits; recent AV incidents in California have intensified scrutiny.