The autonomous‑vehicle (AV) bill introduced in Washington, DC has become a litmus test for Uber’s broader robotaxi strategy. Instead of merely investing in robotaxi developers, Uber is now trying to rewrite the rules that govern them, putting the ride‑hailing giant in direct conflict with its key partner, Waymo.

Uber’s Hybrid Model Proposal

Uber opposes the bill, arguing that it would displace human drivers and hand Waymo a de‑facto monopoly. Public records and industry sources reveal that Uber is lobbying for a system that forces robotaxis to operate on a ride‑hailing network that also employs human drivers. “Hybrid model means that consumers should have the ability to access both,” said Javi Correoso, Uber’s head of U.S. policy and federal affairs, during a May council round‑table. He added that regulation should require a human‑driven Uber option alongside any autonomous service.

Waymo’s Full‑Autonomy Argument

Alphabet‑owned Waymo backs the bill, claiming it will enable safe deployment of autonomous vehicles while supporting public transit, equitable access, and workers’ rights without restricting companies like Uber. Waymo contends that a pure‑autonomy framework avoids the inefficiencies and congestion that hybrid models can introduce.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Bill

Authored by Councilmember Charles Allen in May, the bill would amend the 2012 Autonomous Vehicle Act to permit driverless testing and commercial operations in the district. It would grant the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) authority to issue permits to AV developers meeting criteria such as a minimum $5 million liability insurance and crash‑data reporting within 8‑72 hours, depending on fleet status. Additionally, the bill proposes a $0.15‑per‑mile “vehicles‑miles‑traveled” (VMT) tax on robotaxi operators, with 50 % earmarked for public transit and the remainder for driver‑retraining programs.

Stakeholders and Wider Implications

Beyond Uber and Waymo, the hearing will feature representatives from Tesla, Lyft, labor unions, disability advocacy groups, local business coalitions, and think tanks. An anti‑robotaxi campaign launched by the Coalition for Accountability and Road Safety has also entered the debate, highlighting concerns over job loss and safety. If Uber’s hybrid model gains traction, Waymo would face a choice: integrate its robotaxis into Uber’s platform or maintain a separate human‑driver network—both demanding massive investment and operational overhaul. Conversely, a bill passage favoring Waymo’s vision could marginalize Uber’s market dominance.

While the conflict is localized to DC, its outcome will reverberate across the autonomous‑vehicle sector, setting precedents for how regulators balance innovation, public safety, and labor impacts worldwide.