D.C. to release major robotaxi study this summer
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D.C.'s years-late report on how to implement robotaxis is expected this summer.
Why it matters: The D.C. Council is holding up a bill that would green-light robotaxis like Waymo until the study is finished.
Driving the news: Amid D.C.'s stalled robotaxi rollout, DDOT published on Wednesday a different report — a research study about how other cities have adopted autonomous vehicles.
Yes, but: The report comes with a disclaimer — "much of this work was completed between July 2024 and December 2024," before Waymo began rolling out in more and more U.S. cities.
- It's unclear why D.C. took this long to release the report.
As for the implementation report: "We expect there to be a full report this summer, including legislative recommendations," Mayor Muriel Bowser's office told Axios.
Zoom in: Researchers interviewed transportation departments in four cities in 2024, including San Francisco and Phoenix, concluding that "there is no established 'best practice' for cities to follow when regulating autonomous vehicles."
- Adoption in D.C. could help autonomous vehicle companies spread their message for legislation in Congress, the report noted.
- DDOT director Sharon Kershbaum said in a statement that the report "will help guide discussions in the District, with safety, transparency, and residents' needs at the forefront."
Catch up fast: Waymo has stepped up its lobbying this year in city hall.
- Council member Charles Allen, who chairs the relevant committee, told Axios last year that he wanted to wait for DDOT's report before moving ahead.
- Waymo also wants Bowser to issue permits for Waymo to advance into its next testing phase, without human drivers. Allen blames Bowser for delaying action on that.
What we're watching: Adoption remains a political football.
- Mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George is against robotaxis at this time, while her main opponent Kenyan McDuffie is supportive.
- Some observers believe implementation will not move forward during Bowser's lame-duck period.