Boston council committee hears competing claims on driverless taxis’ effect on workers, safety and access

BOSTON — The Boston City Council Committee on Government Operations heard hours of testimony Oct. 28 on an ordinance that would commission a public study and create an advisory board to evaluate the safety and local impacts of commercial autonomous vehicle operations.

Chair Gabriela Colette Zapata opened the hearing on Docket 1432 and said the committee would take public testimony and hear panels from drivers, labor leaders, disability advocates and representatives of autonomous vehicle companies. “This hearing is being recorded,” Zapata said, noting written comments would be made part of the record.

The ordinance, sponsored by Councilor Henry Santana with co‑sponsors Councilors Aaron Murphy and Ed Flynn, would order an independent study of the effects of commercial robo‑taxis on jobs, local businesses, traffic and public safety and would establish a labor and small‑business advisory board. “This ordinance is not about opposing innovation. It’s about ensuring that innovation serves our city rather than putting our workers and their families at risk,” Councilor Henry Santana said.

Why it matters

Unions, drivers and first responders told the committee they fear job loss and safety risks if commercial autonomous vehicles are allowed to operate without guardrails. Rideshare and delivery drivers said their livelihoods connect to a…