As driverless cars become more common in the streets of San Diego, city leaders are pushing for more controls over them.
Since Waymo made its debut in San Diego, you probably have spotted them driving around.
Now city leaders are urging the governor and California legislature to restore local control over the driverless ride services to help make sure companies follow rules and to keep people from losing their jobs.
“I’m definitely against AI stealing jobs from people,” James Prazma said.
Prazma works 70 hours per week as a full-time rideshare driver. He supports more controls on driverless cars and said his job as a rideshare driver helps sustain his livelihood.
“If I lost this money, you know, I could lose my house,” Prazma said.
Councilmember for District 9, Sean Elo-Rivera, is one of the San Diego City Councilmembers behind the resolution to help increase regulations around autonomous driving companies.
In a statement to NBC 7 he said, “This is about fairness, and about something bigger than any one company,” he said. “Local drivers and small businesses follow rule after rule to earn a living here, while Waymo has cleared through a state administrative filing. It’s unacceptable for giant corporations and regulators to decide how automation reshapes our streets and our livelihoods while the people who live the consequences are left with no voice at all.”
“If they get it regulated, they need to make it more specific, how it will work and they need to explain to people that it will work,” Franz Zapata said.
The resolution set to be introduced Monday also urges the autonomous vehicle operators to work with the City of San Diego and comply with local ordinances, public safety, curbside use, and data privacy.
Councilmember Elo-Rivera said the city would build a process with fire and police departments to track the vehicles and hold them accountable.
City documents state that one of the key provisions would urge the San Diego County Regional Port Authority to prohibit driverless vehicle operations at San Diego International Airport, citing safety concerns.
Travelers like Matthew Valentine said driverless cars at the airport could add to the congestion.
“There are so many variables at the airport, people getting dropped off, crossing, baggage, luggage, kids, all of the above,” Valentine said.
NBC 7 San Diego also reached out to Waymo and is waiting to hear back.
Monday Councilmember Elo Rivera and Councilmember for District 5, Marni Van Wilpert, will talk more about the proposal.
Transportation workers, labor leaders, and community advocates are expected to be present at the press conference.