Minneapolis proposes human monitor behind wheel in Waymo robotaxis

September 14, 2026 at 03:25 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Minneapolis has proposed a rule requiring a licensed human driver behind the wheel of autonomous ride-hail vehicles at all times. The proposal, called Workers Drive Minneapolis, would also mandate that the driver be paid at least the local minimum wage. Waymo called the measure a de facto ban on autonomous vehicles.

Key Facts

The Minneapolis proposal would require any autonomous rideshare company to obtain a city license before starting operations.
The rule would mandate a licensed driver within immediate reach of the controls at all times and pay at least the applicable minimum wage.
City Council Member Robin Wonsley said the measure is about public safety and protecting immigrant workers from automation.
Waymo is already testing in Minneapolis with a human in the driver's seat and no passenger transport.
Waymo called the proposal a de facto ban on autonomous vehicles.

Proposal Details

The proposed rule, called Workers Drive Minneapolis, would require any autonomous rideshare company to get a license from the city before starting operations. It would also require a licensed driver to be within immediate reach of the controls at all times and to be paid at least the applicable minimum wage. City Council Member Robin Wonsley said the measure is about public safety and protecting immigrant workers from losing their jobs to automation. Waymo is already testing in Minneapolis with a human in the driver's seat and no passenger transport, so the rule would not change current operations but could affect future passenger service.

Driver Advocacy

Abdullahi Abshair, a member of the SEIU Local 26 Rideshare Driver Organizing Committee, said human drivers help intoxicated passengers get home safely, assist elderly passengers with groceries, and provide emotional support that robotaxis cannot. Abshair, who has been a rideshare driver for three years, said having humans in the driver's seat is not just safer but good for the community. The proposal's name, Workers Drive Minneapolis, reflects its focus on protecting the jobs of human drivers.

Waymo Response

Waymo called the proposal a de facto ban on autonomous vehicles, according to Axios. The company argued that paying human workers behind the wheel a fair wage could disrupt its autonomous business model to the point of not being worth operating in Minneapolis. Fully autonomous Waymos have caused safety issues in other cities, which supporters of the rule cite as a reason for requiring human oversight.