Janeese Lewis George urges delay of Waymo legislation in D.C

Janeese Lewis George, a D.C. Councilmember and presumptive Democratic mayoral nominee, is calling for a delay in legislation that would legalize fully autonomous vehicles in Washington, D.C. George expressed concerns regarding potential job displacement and the impact of AI-related disruptions on the local workforce, stating that rushing the legalization of Waymo’s driverless ride-hailing service would be irresponsible during a period of economic challenges.

Waymo previously announced plans to bring its Waymo One service to the District, with reports indicating the company has committed tens of millions of dollars toward automotive depots and is targeting an early 2027 rollout. While the company intends to work with local policymakers and emergency responders, George argues that the District must prioritize worker protections and public safety before embracing the technology.

Critics of the proposal note that the number of full-time ride-share drivers residing in the District is relatively small compared to the total labor force, suggesting the impact on overall employment may be limited.