Battle over self-driving vehicles brewing in Boston

Several cities in America now have self-driving cars from Waymo on the road, but it’s unclear if Boston will be one of them. Various unions are pushing back against the potential plan.

Waymo in Boston

Straight Arrow News spoke with a Waymo spokesperson. She said the company has no timeline for when they would move their automated cars into Boston.

The company is currently in Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, Atlanta and Austin, with plans to be in Miami and Washington, D.C.

The spokesperson said the company is on a road trip, looking into cities like Boston, Nashville, Las Vegas and more.

“At Waymo, we are proud to make roads safer and lives easier. We’ve built our business by doing what’s right for our riders, our partners and the cities where we operate — and our safety data is stronger than ever. In each new city, we prioritize learning, engagement and collaboration with local communities and stakeholders to understand their needs and how to serve them best,” the spokesperson told Straight Arrow News in a statement. “We look forward to working with the Boston community, and aim to complement their transportation ecosystem, adding more access and safety to roads.”

There are currently two bills in the Massachusetts Legislature, one in the House and one in the Senate, that would provide a road for autonomous vehicles in Boston. Among other regulations, the bill would preempt cities from creating further regulations on autonomous vehicles.

A recent poll found people in Massachusetts do support expanding autonomous vehicles into the state.

Several supporters were also at a recent hearing in Boston, where the topic was discussed.

Union pushback

Also in attendance at that hearing were several unions, including Teamsters Local 25, who are concerned about driverless vehicles in their city.

“Self-driving cars would eliminate the need of taxis and Uber drivers would make people lose their jobs,” Stephen Konaxis, a member of Teamsters Local 25, told Straight Arrow News.

He called on the legislature not to pass those bills, as did leaders of his union.

“The only reason Waymo and other AV companies invest in this technology is so they can get rich by destroying the livelihoods of millions of workers,” Tom Mari, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Joint Council 10 and president of Teamsters Local 25, said in a statement. “Our elected officials have a responsibility to support the middle class. They can do that by killing the Big Tech bill and requiring human operators in driverless cars and trucks.”

A spokesman for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters echoed that call.

“We’re calling for the legislature to kill that bill and we’re advocating for another legislation, which would require human operators in driverless vehicles,” Matt McQuaid, spokesperson for International Brotherhood of Teamsters, told Straight Arrow News.

McQuaid said those human operators would be trained to make sure there are no safety issues in the vehicle and that this fight isn’t local to Boston.

“This is a national priority for us, both the state and local level,” McQuaid said. “So, you know, we’re pushing for AV regulation and human operator requirements. You know, in every city and state where these companies are opening up shop.”

What happens next?

Two city councilors have introduced an ordinance to create an advisory council to analyze how autonomous vehicles would impact public safety, traffic, local businesses, and more. That will also launch a study on any potential public disruptions this could cause.

No decisions have been made so far and it looks like this fight is just getting on the road.