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Council orders hearing on autonomous vehicles as companies map Boston streets
Summary
Councilors Durkin and Flynn filed an order directing a hearing on autonomous vehicle testing and operations in Boston, saying the city needs to assess safety, equity and impacts on public transit before deployment.
Boston City Councilors on Wednesday filed an order seeking a public hearing on autonomous vehicle (AV) operations in the city and the state-level rules that would affect deployment. Councilors Andrea Durkin and Flynn introduced the order and asked the Planning, Development and Transportation committee to hold the hearing before the end of the summer.
“Boston is a uniquely complex city to navigate, and any new mobility challenges must be responsive to our workforce, our neighborhood infrastructure, and our climate,” Councilor Andrea Durkin said. Durkin said companies such as Waymo are mapping city streets and that Boston’s narrow, irregular roads differ from AV operating environments in Phoenix or San Francisco.
Councilor Flynn noted recent reports of AV vehicles being tested around the region and said Boston must evaluate potential impacts on pedestrian safety and public transit ridership. He cited national data showing public skepticism and referenced incidents involving AV-equipped vehicles elsewhere.
Councilors added that state legislation will likely be needed and that the hearing should examine testing frameworks, accident and safety data, labor and transit impacts, and any public benefits that should accompany AV operations.
The council referred docket 1141 to the Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation for a hearing and further action.
