Uber and Waymo Split Over the Rules—and Economics—of Robotaxi Expansion

TechCrunch reports that Uber and Waymo are lobbying on opposing sides of a proposed Washington, D.C., autonomous-vehicle framework. Uber is pushing for a system that would steer robotaxis through mixed human-and-autonomous ride-hailing networks, while Waymo favors the ability to operate its own vertically integrated service. Separately, San Francisco's mayor asked California officials for stronger statewide requirements after Waymo vehicles contributed to disruption during major events and emergencies. The combined pressure could affect robotaxi distribution, fees, fleet economics and the pace of market entry.