Uber Lobbyists Push 'Hybrid Network' Rules to Curb Robotaxi Rivals

Uber is attempting to codify its role as the primary commercial platform for autonomous vehicles (AVs) by lobbying for "hybrid networks" that integrate human drivers with robotaxis, according to reporting from Wired.

In New Jersey, a lobbyist for Uber circulated legislative language that would require any platform offering driverless ride-hailing to ensure human drivers handle 85 percent of rides for a three-year period. According to Wired, this proposal would likely prevent AV developers such as Tesla, Zoox, and Waymo from operating their own independent ride-hail apps in the state, effectively forcing them to use a third-party app like Uber.

Uber representatives also pushed for hybrid network requirements in Washington, DC. In an email obtained by Wired, Uber lobbyist LáVita Gardner told a staffer for City Council member Charles Allen that such networks are critical for a transition that supports both technology and human drivers.

Uber spokesperson Noah Edwardsen told Wired that the company is fighting against industry policy proposals that have tried to "cynically lock out competitors and create monopolies." Edwardsen described the New Jersey proposal as a "compromise" intended to address labor union opposition.

Waymo spokesperson Ethan Teicher told Wired that Waymo does not support efforts to limit AVs to specific network types. While Uber and Waymo are partners in Atlanta and Austin, the relationship has shown signs of strain, as Business Insider has reported.

Other regulatory hurdles are emerging in New Jersey; a bill sponsored by State Senator Andrew Zwicker would require AVs to use multiple sensors rather than just cameras—targeting Tesla's technology—and require steering wheels and brake pedals for emergencies, which would exclude purpose-built robotaxis from Zoox.