A growing movement of Uber and Lyft drivers, alongside their unions, is confronting the rise of autonomous vehicles in California. Protests have intensified in San Francisco, fueled by recent safety incidents and a demand for stricter regulations and accountability for robotaxi companies like Waymo. The debate is now before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), whose decisions will shape the future of urban mobility and labor markets across the US.
Story Highlights
- Uber and Lyft drivers protest against Waymo’s autonomous vehicles in San Francisco.
- Drivers demand stricter regulations and accountability for autonomous vehicles.
- Recent incidents involving Waymo cars have sparked public safety concerns.
- California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) meeting coincides with the protest.
Drivers Demand Fair Regulations
On January 9, 2026, a group of about two dozen Uber and Lyft drivers gathered outside the California Public Utilities Commission headquarters in San Francisco. These drivers, along with their supporters, protested against Waymo’s autonomous vehicles, which they argue pose a threat to their livelihoods and public safety. The protesters called for more stringent regulations and accountability measures for autonomous vehicles, highlighting various incidents where Waymo cars have caused disruptions and safety hazards.
The protest took place as the CPUC held a meeting to consider further regulations on autonomous vehicles. The drivers voiced concerns that AV companies like Waymo are not held to the same standards as human drivers, leading to unfair competition and potential job displacement. This protest is part of a broader movement by gig workers and their unions to ensure regulatory parity and protect their income.
Recent Incidents Fuel Protests
Several incidents involving Waymo vehicles have intensified the protests. In September 2025, a Waymo car made an illegal U-turn in San Bruno, yet escaped a ticket due to the absence of a human driver. In October 2025, a neighborhood cat named “Kit Kat” was tragically killed by a Waymo vehicle, causing public outrage and raising questions about the accountability of autonomous technology. Moreover, just before Christmas 2025, a mass power outage in San Francisco left multiple Waymo vehicles stalled, blocking streets and prompting the company to temporarily pause its services.
The California Gig Workers Union has publicly demanded that autonomous vehicles be removed from the streets until these safety concerns are adequately addressed. Their stance echoes the sentiments of many drivers who feel that AV companies enjoy leniency in regulation, unlike human drivers who face immediate penalties for infractions.
Regulatory Challenges and Future Implications
The CPUC plays a pivotal role as a regulatory authority, balancing the interests of innovation with the need for safety and fairness. The outcome of its current deliberations could set a precedent for how autonomous vehicles are regulated not just in California, but across the United States. This regulatory landscape will significantly impact the future of urban mobility, labor markets, and public trust in autonomous technology.
As the CPUC continues to refine its policies, stakeholders, including gig workers, AV companies, and local residents, await the commission’s decisions. These decisions will determine how autonomous vehicles integrate into existing transportation systems and how the interests of various parties are balanced.
Watch the report: Gig drivers protest after robotaxis stall on San Francisco streets during blackout
Sources:
- Lyft and Uber drivers protest Waymo robotaxis as California considers further regulations
- Lyft, Uber Drivers Protest Waymo Robotaxis in San Francisco – TT
- Lyft and Uber drivers protest Waymo robotaxis as California considers further regulations
- Uber and Lyft Drivers Protest Waymo Robotaxis on San Francisco Streets