MASS LIVE: Waymo self-driving cars spark safety, job concerns in Boston - Fighting for Driver's Rights

By Trea Lavery

The prospect of Boston’s notoriously congested and confusing streets being traversed by self-driving cars is prompting some to worry about safety and job security in the city. Earlier this year, Waymo, a leading self-driving car company that operates “robotaxis” in several cities across the country, began deploying its vehicles in Boston to begin mapping the city.

Although the mapping cars were operated by humans and the company has not yet announced plans to expand its service to Boston, the initiative sparked conversations at both the city and state levels about how to prepare for the potential impacts of driverless technology.

City officials and labor leaders told city councilors during a hearing on Thursday that, in addition to fears about autonomous vehicles’ (AVs) ability to safely navigate Boston if Waymo expanded to the city, it would significantly jeopardize existing rideshare and taxi drivers’ ability to make a living.” The hearing was attended by a large group of rideshare drivers, who also staged a protest outside City Hall after the hearing.