Robotaxi Rollouts Face Resistance from Taxi Drivers, Unions and Lawmakers

Robotaxi companies are expanding in several markets, but the rollout is running into growing resistance from taxi drivers, unions, and lawmakers who fear safety risks and job losses. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul withdrew a proposal that would have opened the door to commercial driverless rides outside New York City, and six months later the service still remains illegal in the state. The standoff shows how autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla are not only facing technical and regulatory hurdles, but also a broader political fight over who should control the future of passenger transport.