A Months-Old Anti-Robotaxi Group Is Steering Transportation Policy From Albany to D.C.

Presumptive D.C. Mayor Janeese Lewis George has called for a halt to the legalization of autonomous ride-sharing vehicles operated by Waymo, arguing that the move could threaten the jobs of human drivers in the city. Lewis George, a D.C. council member and the presumed winner of the city’s Democratic mayoral primary, expressed concerns about the potential for job displacement due to advancements in artificial intelligence and automation. She posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that “DC is facing a jobs crisis” and that rushing the legalization of autonomous vehicles would be irresponsible given the anticipated disruptions to employment. In a follow-up message, she urged the D.C. Council to delay consideration of a bill that would allow Waymo to offer autonomous rides to the public. Waymo is currently conducting tests in the district with human safety operators present. Lewis George’s remarks have drawn attention amid broader discussions about the direction of governance in the nation’s capital. Since her victory in the Democratic primary, analysts have speculated about how she might shape policy as the city’s next leader. D.C.’s economic landscape is currently challenging, marked by high unemployment rates, a declining housing market, and slowing population growth. Critics of Lewis George’s stance argue that her concerns about job loss are misplaced. According to estimates cited by Ashley Schapitl on her blog, only around 200 residents in D.C. work full-time as ride-share drivers. With a labor force of approximately 400,000 people, the impact of replacing these positions with autonomous vehicles would be minimal. Furthermore, experts point out that autonomous vehicles are unlikely to fully replace human drivers in the near future. In cities where Waymo has been operating for several years, such as Phoenix, the company holds only a small percentage of the ride-share market. As of April 2026, Waymo accounted for just 16 percent of rides in Phoenix, meaning the majority of rides continue to be conducted by human drivers. Studies indicate that while autonomous vehicles may affect the earnings of human drivers, they have not yet caused widespread job losses. A 2025 report by Gridwise suggested that AVs slightly reduced drivers’ hourly wages and the number of trips per hour. However, the report noted that this does not equate to a large-scale loss of employment opportunities. In some cities, hybrid models involving both human drivers and autonomous vehicles have shown promise. For example, in Austin and Phoenix, partnerships between Waymo and Uber have resulted in increased trip frequency for human drivers, even though their hourly pay decreased. These findings suggest that the integration of autonomous vehicles may not lead to mass job displacement but could instead reshape the industry in complex ways. Meanwhile, Waymo continues to expand its operations. The company recently secured a $5 billion loan to significantly boost its fleet size. Currently operating 4,000 autonomous vehicles, Waymo aims to increase its numbers to 8,000 by the end of the year and 20,000 by the end of next year. The company has also begun ordering vehicles from Chinese manufacturers, including Zeekr, a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group. In addition to expanding its fleet, Waymo is establishing infrastructure to support its growing network. Recently, the company opened a facility in Nashville in collaboration with Lyft to handle maintenance tasks such as charging and cleaning its vehicles. This expansion reflects Waymo’s ambitions to scale its operations both domestically and internationally. The debate over autonomous vehicles extends beyond technical and economic considerations. In Washington, D.C., a group known as the People First Transportation Alliance (PFTA) has emerged as a vocal opponent of Waymo’s expansion. Describing itself as a coalition of labor unions, community organizations, and faith leaders, the PFTA argues that the focus should remain on protecting jobs rather than adopting unproven technology. However, the PFTA has faced scrutiny regarding its affiliations and influence. According to a report by The Washington Post, the group appears to have exaggerated its connections with certain individuals and organizations listed as founding members. Additionally, the PFTA lacks a substantial online presence, with its website domain registered in late April and social media accounts established in May but containing no content or followers. Despite these uncertainties, the PFTA has successfully influenced policy decisions in multiple cities. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul abandoned a proposal to allow Waymo to operate in upstate areas following pressure from the PFTA. Similarly, in D.C., Lewis George’s opposition to rapid legalization aligns with the PFTA’s goals. Consumer sentiment toward autonomous vehicles remains mixed. While some riders prefer the convenience and efficiency offered by Waymo, others remain skeptical. A 2025 survey by Obi revealed that 70 percent of users who had tried Waymo favored it over traditional ride-share services like Uber and Lyft. Still, 42.7 percent of respondents were willing to pay a higher price for the service, indicating a degree of acceptance among consumers. Nevertheless, the path forward for autonomous vehicles in major U.S. cities remains uncertain. In New York City, Waymo’s pilot program permit expired in March, and the city’s mayor has not committed to extending it. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between technological progress and the need to protect existing jobs. As debates continue, the role of policymakers like Lewis George will be crucial in shaping the future of transportation in D.C. and beyond. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the city moves swiftly toward embracing autonomous technology or adopts a more cautious approach.