Autonomous vehicles (AVs), in development for years, have only recently become safe enough for mass adoption. Now, events like Uber’s new partnerships with AV companies Zoox and Rivian signal that it’s time for widespread use. But the inaugural fleets can’t deploy without political will.
The nascent industry’s struggles with the Washington, D.C. City Council, which is barring AV entry in the nation’s capital, suggests a bumpy road ahead. Misguided concerns, special-interest pressures, and bureaucratic proceduralism threaten to undermine the successful deployment of AVs.
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Our editorial team includes several staff writers, each contributing their specialized knowledge to enhance the depth and breadth of our event and story coverage.