Minneapolis City Council to Vote on Ordinance Requiring Human Safety Monitors in Robotaxis, Mayor Frey Critical
The Minneapolis City Council is poised to vote on a proposed ordinance that would mandate human safety monitors in all driverless rideshare vehicles operating within the city. The measure advanced from the council’s Committee of the Whole with a 7-4 vote, indicating strong support for its passage. However, Mayor Jacob Frey has expressed significant criticism, labeling the ordinance a “back door ban” and suggesting it could prompt state pre-emption. The ordinance would also require these human monitors to possess a driver’s license and be paid at least minimum wage. Proponents argue that this regulation is necessary to prevent job displacement among rideshare drivers and to allow the city more time to study the implications of autonomous vehicles, as the ordinance would not take effect until October 2027 if passed. The robotaxi industry, including companies like Waymo, is already testing fleets in the Twin Cities.
