As autonomous driving companies begin to make inroads to San Diego, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Board of Directors Thursday voted nearly unanimously to oppose the expansion of the technology without local regulation or oversight.
In November, self-driving ride-share company Waymo announced plans to bring its autonomous taxi service to San Diego, prompting San Diego City Councilman and MTS Board Member Sean Elo-Rivera to propose the resolution.
"San Diego's drivers help keep this city moving, fed and well- supplied," said Elo-Rivera, chair of the MTS Board's Taxi Advisory Committee. "These are hardworking people who rely on driving to pay rent, put food on the table and care for their families. No corporation should be allowed to quietly replace people with machines just to boost profits, especially without local communities having any say. We are drawing a line: Corporate profit must not come at the expense of people's livelihoods or our democracy."
In a 12-1 vote, the board approved urging the California Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom to restore the right of cities to determine whether they will allow driverless vehicles.
The board also agreed to submit letters of protest to the California Public Utilities Commission and California Department of Motor Vehicles regarding Waymo's expansion to the greater San Diego area, as well as supporting an outright ban at San Diego International Airport to protect airport workers and public safety.
"We roll autonomously like our burritos -- California style," a blog post from Waymo read. "Waymo is excited to bring San Diego riders the same safe, reliable and magical autonomous ride-hailing service that carries hundreds of thousands of people already in five cities across the U.S., with plans to begin serving the city next year."