Minneapolis Considers Requiring Human Monitors in Waymos as Gig Worker Displacement Fears Grow

NewsData.io · United States · Sep 16, 2026

Four Minneapolis city councilors have proposed an ordinance that would require licensed human 'safety monitors' to ride in autonomous vehicles, including Waymo's robotaxis, paid at least minimum wage — a measure Waymo calls a de facto ban. The proposal reflects mounting tension between expanding autonomous vehicle fleets and gig workers who fear displacement, with Goldman Sachs projecting robotaxis could capture 8% of the U.S. rideshare market by 2030. Studies suggest the shift could reduce frontline rideshare and taxi jobs by 57–76%, a direct concern for staffing agencies and recruiters serving the gig and transportation sectors. A public hearing is scheduled for September 22, with the ordinance potentially taking effect next October if passed.