At a public hearing this week, several Minneapolis rideshare drivers told the City Council they’re worried about losing their jobs to driverless taxis. But some residents said they want to see the additional transportation option on the roads.

At a public hearing, Minneapolis rideshare drivers expressed concerns about job loss due to driverless taxis, while some residents supported the introduction of autonomous vehicles. The council is considering an ordinance requiring autonomous vehicle companies to pay a human monitor and obtain a city license. Waymo, a driverless taxi company, has stated the ordinance goes too far, limiting its operations. Council member Robin Wonsley emphasized the need for regulations to protect drivers and workers. Uber and Lyft driver Abdurshad Mohammed highlighted the financial impact on his family and the potential threat to jobs.

• "Waymo's vehicles have been tested in Minneapolis, and they claim to be safer than human-driven cars."
• "Some residents, like Justin Salisbury, a blind resident, expressed concerns about accessibility and safety for disabled individuals."
• "Council member Wonsley acknowledged the lack of regulations and the potential risks to workers and residents."

The ordinance would take effect in October 2027, giving the council time to adjust rules based on safety and job loss data. Waymo remains in a legal gray area, with no specific state rules for autonomous vehicles. DFL State Sen. Scott Dibble argued that current laws require a human driver, making autonomous vehicles illegal. The ordinance is scheduled for another public hearing on Sept. 29.

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