Uber Lobbies to Require Human Drivers on Robotaxi Platforms

Uber's Legislative Push for Hybrid Networks

Uber is actively lobbying state lawmakers to embed its business strategy into law, according to documents obtained by WIRED. The ride-hail company's representatives have circulated legislative language that would require autonomous vehicle platforms to maintain a significant percentage of human drivers alongside robotaxis—a move that could prevent competitors from operating standalone self-driving services.

In New Jersey, an Uber lobbyist proposed language requiring any platform offering driverless ride-hailing to have human drivers serve 85 percent of rides for three years. The provision would effectively force autonomous vehicle developers like Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla to partner with existing ride-hail apps rather than operate their own services in the state.

According to the chief of staff for New Jersey state senator Andrew Zwicker, an Uber representative pitched the proposal for inclusion in legislation establishing the state's first rules for self-driving cars on public roads. The restrictive language is not currently part of the bill, which may come up for a vote this fall.

Why it matters

Uber's lobbying represents a strategic effort to lock in its position as the dominant intermediary between consumers and autonomous vehicles, rather than allowing AV developers to build direct relationships with riders. If successful, such regulations could reshape the competitive landscape for robotaxis before the technology fully matures, potentially slowing innovation while protecting Uber's market share. The approach also marks a reversal for a company that spent years fighting transportation regulations.

Parallel Efforts in Washington, DC

Uber pursued similar objectives in Washington, DC, where autonomous vehicle companies are battling to launch robotaxi services. In an email sent before the introduction of legislation allowing driverless services under certain conditions, Uber lobbyist LáVita Gardner wrote to a city council staffer that "allowing for hybrid networks will be critical for a smooth transition that supports both technology and human drivers."

The DC bill, introduced by council member Charles Allen in April, is scheduled for a hearing and has not yet been voted on.

From Existential Threat to Platform Strategy

Uber's current approach represents a dramatic shift from a decade ago, when then-CEO Travis Kalanick viewed autonomous vehicles as an existential threat requiring the company to build its own self-driving technology. After shutting down its troubled autonomous vehicle program in 2020 following a fatal crash and regulatory battles, Uber pivoted to becoming what current CEO Dara Khosrowshahi calls "the go-to commercial platform" for multiple AV providers.

The company has signed agreements with more than 25 robotaxi players, including Waymo, Nuro, Baidu, and Volkswagen's MOIA. Waymo currently offers rides through Uber's app in Atlanta and Austin, though Business Insider has reported signs of strain in the partnership.

Industry Pushback

Waymo spokesperson Ethan Teicher stated the company "does not support efforts to limit AVs to specific types of networks, and we would welcome changes clarifying that different types of networks can operate."

Uber spokesperson Noah Edwardsen defended the company's position, arguing that AV industry proposals have been "largely unworkable" and failed to address worker concerns. He characterized the New Jersey proposal as "a compromise" to address labor union opposition.

In prepared testimony for the DC City Council, Uber's director of autonomous vehicles and AI policy plans to argue that AVs are already competing directly with human drivers in California markets, with "one AV in California now performing roughly the work of four drivers."

These details were first reported by WIRED, which obtained documents through public records requests and direct review.