New bill would allow robotaxis on D.C. streets
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After studying Waymo's rollout in other cities, Councilmember Charles Allen is introducing a new bill to bring the robotaxis to D.C.
Why it matters: This legislation would be the path forward for driverless ridesharing in the nation's capital.
State of play: Waymo stepped up lobbying at city hall this year, especially as lawmakers await a much-delayed DDOT robotaxi study that's expected later this summer.
- Allen's bill moves the ball, proposing guardrails around autonomous vehicles. For example, Allen wants to avoid what happened during a blackout in San Francisco last year, when Waymo vehicles bricked. The bill would require companies to have a backup power system.
- Companies would also be charged a "vehicle miles traveled" fee. It would apply to each AV operating in the city. The revenue would be split between funding Metro and supporting rideshare drivers facing job displacement.
- The fee aims to disincentivize companies from sending around empty robotaxis and making traffic worse, Allen says.
What they're saying: "I don't think D.C. needs to be the first, but I also don't want us to be the last" to allow robotaxis, Allen said in an announcement.
- Allen said he studied the issue with trial lawyers, traffic safety experts and labor advocates.
Context: Waymo and Zoox are testing their vehicles in D.C. with a driver at the wheel. The next step would be fully autonomous testing.
Between the lines: Waymo is currently operational in 11 major metro areas. Putting AVs around Capitol Hill would be a big win for the industry, as it tries to gain more support nationally, a DDOT analysis noted earlier this month.
What's next: Don't expect to hail a robotaxi tomorrow.
- The D.C. Council is busy reviewing the city budget, but it's possible a hearing on robotaxis happens before the summer recess, Allen's office tells Axios. The bill will get more attention in the fall.