Minneapolis Wants Human Drivers in Waymo Robotaxis

When Waymo first rolled its sensor‑laden cars onto Minneapolis streets, they were nothing more than testbeds – no passengers, a safety driver in the seat, and a lot of data being harvested. Now the city is considering a twist that would keep that driver in place even after the service is fully commercial.

The proposal, dubbed “Workers Drive Minneapolis,” would obligate any autonomous‑rideshare operator to obtain a city license and, crucially, to have a human monitor within arm’s reach of the controls at all times. The driver would also be guaranteed at least the local minimum wage. City Councilmember Robin Wonsley framed it as a public‑safety safeguard and a bulwark for immigrant workers whose livelihoods might otherwise be swallowed by automation.

From the perspective of Waymo, the rule reads almost like a ban. The company told Axios the requirement would “effectively prevent us from operating autonomously in Minneapolis,” because the cost of paying a full‑time driver for every vehicle could tip the economics out of the black.

Supporters argue the measure does more than just keep a hand on the wheel. SEIU Local 26 driver Abdullahi Abshair, who’s been shuttling passengers for three years, says, “We help intoxicated riders get home, assist seniors with groceries, listen when someone’s having a bad day. A robot can’t do that.” For many, the human presence is as much about community connection as it is about avoiding the occasional Waymo‑related mishap – from cars stalling in the middle of a police stop to unexpected lane changes near school buses.

Critics, including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, point out that data still shows robotaxis generally cause fewer crashes than human drivers. Yet the conversation in Minneapolis isn’t purely about crash statistics; it’s about preserving a class of jobs that could vanish overnight.

Other cities have taken a hard‑line stance, outright rejecting Waymo’s plans. Minneapolis, however, may opt for a compromise at its public hearing on September 22. If the city says yes, it will be on the condition that Waymo agrees to keep a crew of local drivers on board – a hybrid model that could set a precedent for how municipalities negotiate the rollout of driverless tech.