Uber Pushes Hybrid Ride-Hail Rules in New Jersey and Washington

Uber representatives have asked lawmakers in New Jersey and Washington, D.C., to require hybrid ride-hail networks that combine human drivers and autonomous vehicles. The proposals would set a three-year period during which human drivers must complete 85 percent of rides on any platform offering driverless services.

The language would prevent companies that operate only robotaxis from running their own ride-hail apps in those jurisdictions. Developers including Waymo, Zoox, and Tesla would need to partner with an existing platform to enter the market.

A bill sponsored by state senator Andrew Zwicker would create New Jersey's first rules for self-driving cars on public roads. An Uber lobbyist circulated draft language that would add the 85-percent human-driver requirement, though the provision is not currently in the bill under consideration.

The same bill would require autonomous vehicles to use multiple sensors rather than cameras alone and to retain steering wheels and brake pedals for emergency use. These requirements would affect vehicles designed without those controls.

Washington, D.C., Proposal A bill introduced by city council member Charles Allen would allow driverless services under certain conditions. Uber representatives sought language ensuring that ride-hail companies could participate alongside companies operating their own autonomous-vehicle apps.

Uber has signed agreements with more than 25 robotaxi developers. Driverless vehicles from Waymo, Nuro, Baidu, and Volkswagen's MOIA are already available or scheduled to appear on the Uber app in several cities. A company representative told lawmakers the hybrid approach would support a phased transition and maintain roles for human drivers.