The proposed resolution would urge the airport authority to ban the operation of autonomous vehicles, citing safety issues.
SAN DIEGO — As autonomous vehicles cruise San Diego streets, a proposed City Council resolution is calling on the California governor and Legislature to restore local control over driverless ride services and support protections for workers who could lose their jobs to artificial intelligence.
The proposal also urges autonomous vehicle operators to work with the City of San Diego on public safety, noise, curbside use, and data privacy.
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Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, who represents District 9, says the measure is about giving San Diegans more of a say over how autonomous vehicles operate in the city.
“More than anything, this is about giving San Diegans a say about Waymo operating here, automated vehicles operating here, and fighting for our workers,” Elo-Rivera said. “Because San Diegans work incredibly hard, and this will absolutely impact the ability of San Diegans to pay their bills.”
According to city documents, one of the key provisions would urge the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to prohibit driverless vehicle operations at San Diego International Airport, citing safety and concerns about protecting airport ground transportation workers.
But Elo-Rivera said the resolution itself would not directly ban autonomous vehicles from operating at the airport.
“This wouldn’t actually ban them from doing it because the airport makes those decisions independently,” Elo-Rivera said. “It would call on them to not allow autonomous vehicles for the time being.”
The proposed airport restriction is raising questions about whether travelers see driverless rides as a convenience or something that could add to congestion at an already busy airport.
Some travelers said they could see the benefit.
“It probably would be convenient, especially sometimes you’re waiting a little bit longer for other providers like Uber, or sometimes you have to wait up to 10, 15 minutes,” Liam Ward said.
Others said they would rather see autonomous vehicles prove themselves outside the airport first.
“I’d like to see them try something less challenging things to start, like just getting around town,” Michael Lewis said. “That seems to me like it would be prudent.”
Another traveler questioned whether autonomous vehicles are necessary at an airport already filled with rideshare vehicles.
“The airport’s pretty busy and confusing as it is,” Kathleen Lee said. “There’s so many Ubers and people picking up and dropping off.”
Mackenzie Lee said concerns about jobs are part of the reason they oppose driverless rides at the airport.
“I feel like people make income off of being Uber drivers and stuff, and I think that we should just stick to rideshares and apps like that,” the traveler said.
Waymo defended its driverless service in San Diego and criticized the proposed resolution.
A Waymo spokesperson provided the following statement: “Waymo is proud to provide San Diego with another transportation option that is safe, reliable, and secure. This ill-conceived attempt to restrict San Diegans’ transportation choices will hurt those whose needs are not met by the status quo. We’re proud that Waymo vehicles are serving San Diegans, and we’ll continue our partnership with local officials to offer a new transportation option that helps make the region’s roads safer and more connected.”
Waymo also shared a letter addressed to the mayor and members of the City Council from several groups opposing the proposed resolution.
The proposed resolution is scheduled to come before the San Diego City Council at 2 p.m. Monday.