Philadelphia Considers Legislation for Human Operators on Self-Driving Buses
State Representative Ben Waxman is drafting a bill that would require self-driving transit vehicles over 10,000 pounds to have a licensed driver on board. This move comes amid discussions about the potential introduction of autonomous SEPTA buses in Philadelphia. The bill aims to address safety concerns and potential job losses, as the Transit Workers Union has expressed worries about the impact of automation on employment. While autonomous vehicles are being tested in various U.S. cities, the feasibility of fully automated buses in Philadelphia faces technological, regulatory, and union challenges.