Waymo and Zoox robotaxis have become a common sight on the streets of San Francisco, and soon Uber will be in the city as well through partnerships with Lucid and Nuro. That’s exactly what San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie likes.
“I think we should be a test bed for emerging technologies, AI, healthcare technologies, all of those things,” Lurie said Wednesday on the main stage at TechCrunch Disrupt. “We have always been and, under my leadership, we will continue to lead and focus.”
Lurie added that he is proud of Alphabet’s self-driving technology company Waymo’s success in the Bay Area. And he said, “Others are welcome too.”
Lurie was quick to say safety comes first, adding that self-driving cars are regulated at the state level. The California Department of Surface Transportation regulates the testing and deployment of self-driving vehicles. However, companies that want to offer and charge robotaxi rides must also obtain a permit from the California Public Utilities Commission.
While Lurie is actively working on self-driving cars, other cities are more resistant. The city of Boston, for example, is considering banning self-driving cars in the city.
“Waymo has proven that it’s a safe vehicle,” he said, noting that robotaxis are attracting tourists who come to the city to ride in self-driving cars. “We’re hoping to open up the airport soon and be able to get people here into the city.”
However, this does not mean that there will be no resistance. For example, the Teamsters union is lobbying for regulation of self-driving trucks to protect jobs.
Lurie, on the other hand, is bullish on technology and the money and jobs it brings to cities.
“We believe in the future,” he said. “The future always begins in San Francisco, and that’s where we plan to be.”
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