Robotaxi Regulation Battle: Uber vs. Waymo in D.C.
Original: TechCrunch Mobility: The battle over robotaxi rules
Why This Matters
The D.C. robotaxi bill could set a regulatory precedent shaping AV deployment rules across the U.S.
Washington D.C. is evaluating a bill to allow autonomous vehicles to operate in the city. Uber and Waymo have taken opposing sides, sparring over proposed rules including a 180-day/250,000-mile test requirement, a $1M application fee, a $5M permit fee, and a $0.15-per-mile tax.
The D.C. Council is reviewing legislation that would regulate robotaxi operations in the nation's capital. A public hearing on Monday drew representatives from Lyft, Tesla, Uber, and Waymo, alongside disability rights advocates, labor unions, and safety organizations.
Uber opposes the bill, arguing it would displace human for-hire drivers and grant Waymo a de facto monopoly. Uber has instead lobbied for a "hybrid" model requiring robotaxis to operate alongside human drivers on ride-hailing networks. Industry insiders say this approach has little chance of becoming law.
Tesla's senior policy adviser India Herdman echoed concerns shared by multiple AV developers, objecting to the 180-day mandatory testing period, 250,000-mile mileage requirement, $1 million application fee, $5 million permit fee, and $0.15-per-mile tax. Companies also argued that testing miles logged in other states should count toward the mileage threshold.
Waymo, which has been testing AVs with human safety operators in D.C., has already surpassed both the 180-day and 250,000-mile thresholds. If the bill passes as written, Waymo would enter the D.C. market with at least a six-month head start over competitors.
In a separate development, Uber announced a $14.8 billion deal to acquire Germany's Delivery Hero, which would give Uber access to nearly 100 markets across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia — effectively doubling its delivery footprint.