Despite rising backlash, D.C. robotaxi bill set for council vote
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An anti-robotaxi rally outside the Wilson Building earlier this month. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
D.C.'s robotaxi bill is expected to advance for a vote next month, despite strong opposition from Janeese Lewis George, the city's soon-to-be mayor.
Driving the news: Councilmember Charles Allen tells Axios that his bill has the "most robust protections you'll find in AV legislation," and that he plans to give it a vote in his committee by Thanksgiving.
Why it matters: A political showdown is coming, with Lewis George opposing robotaxis due to worries over job losses and councilmembers like Allen trying to reach a compromise.
State of play: Councilmember Lewis George has been critical of robotaxis. She won her Democratic primary for mayor with backing from labor unions, which are organizing against the legislation.
- "DC is facing a jobs crisis," JLG said on X Thursday, drawing a flurry of attention. "Rushing the legalization of autonomous vehicles is irresponsible given the anticipated AI-related job displacement and disruptions that put countless workers at risk."
Yes, but: Allen told Axios in an interview that JLG's opposition "didn't come as a surprise" and that he was given a heads-up about her post. He said it doesn't change his plan to move the bill.
- "We're still negotiating and going back and forth," he said about its status. "I think we're very close."
Zoom in: Allen's bill, introduced last April, would propose several guardrails, like initially setting a 200-vehicle limit for robotaxi operators and waiting until 2028 to begin the commercial rollout.
- Notably, the bill would charge companies a "vehicle miles traveled" fee. Its proceeds would help support rideshare drivers facing job displacement and funding Metro.
The other side: Union members and rideshare drivers rallied outside the Wilson Building earlier this month, urging lawmakers to reject the bill.
- "Let's get this right and not rush Waymo legislation this year," Lewis George added in her X post Thursday.
What's ahead: Allen believes the bill has enough support for it to pass his Transportation Committee.
- That would set up a full vote at the D.C. Council in December.