Minneapolis residents sound off on "human monitor" ordinance for driverless rideshares

More than a dozen Minneapolis residents spoke at a hearing Tuesday afternoon to voice their opinions about driverless rideshares in the city.

It's been a hot-button issue since Waymos started popping up in Minneapolis last November. Now, local leaders are working on an ordinance that would keep someone sitting behind the wheel. 

This ordinance would mandate a "human monitor" in the front seat of any driverless cars. They would need to have a driver's license and sit in the driver's seat. The Minneapolis City Council members supporting it say it focuses on safety and would protect thousands of rideshare drivers from potentially losing their jobs to autonomous vehicles.

"I've been doing this for so long, I love it. I'm hoping that you guys can help us, to fight for us, to not be left behind in the future," said M. Washington, a full-time Uber driver of more than 12 years. "Drivers, we want to be here. We've been doing this job."

Council members say if approved, the proposal would go into effect next fall.

In a statement from Waymo, the company called the proposal "a de facto ban on autonomous vehicles," adding it's committed to addressing safety and mobility gaps in Minneapolis while working with officials to find a way forward. 

The company says there's no law like this in the 15 other cities they're already operating in.

A spokesperson for Mayor Jacob Frey said while he will have conversations with the council, the mayor will look to the state for regulation of autonomous vehicles. 

The council is scheduled to vote on the proposal on Oct. 1.