Waymo and Zoox robotaxis are a regular sight on San Francisco streets. Soon Uber, through a partnership with Lucid and Nuro, will descend on the city as well. This is exactly how San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie likes it.
He believes the city should be the testbed for emerging technology, artificial intelligence, and health care tech. Lurie stated that San Francisco has always been a leader in this area and under his leadership, it will continue to lead and lean in.
Lurie added that he is proud of the success that Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, has had in the Bay Area. He said the city welcomes others. He was quick to note that safety comes first, adding that regulations for autonomous vehicles are handled at the state level. The California Department of Motor Vehicles regulates testing and deployment, while companies that charge for robotaxi rides must also get permits from the California Public Utilities Commission.
While Lurie welcomes autonomous vehicles, other cities are more resistant. For example, Boston has considered a ban on them. Lurie stated that Waymo has proven to be a safe ride. He noted the robotaxis have attracted tourists who come to the city specifically for a driverless experience. The hope is that the service will soon open at the airport to bring people into the city.
This does not mean there is no resistance. The Teamsters Union has lobbied for restrictions on self-driving trucks in an effort to protect jobs.
Meanwhile, Lurie has taken a bullish view on technology and the money and jobs it can bring to the city. He said they believe in the future, and that the future always starts in San Francisco, and they are going to lean into it.