Bus, taxi workers feel vulnerable over self-driving future

Seoul's initiative to increase the use of autonomous buses and taxis has sparked concerns about the future of workers in the transportation industry. Unionized drivers are advocating for enhanced protections and more influence in a transition that might eventually jeopardize their employment. City officials assert that the technology will initially tackle driver shortages rather than replace workers.

However, union representatives demand clear insights into their future job security, passenger safety, and liability in case of an accident. According to a Seoul bus union official named Yoo, "Self-driving technology should be limited to assisting human drivers, not replacing them." "Operating without humans is neither possible nor desirable," he emphasized.

Yoo explained that drivers' duties go beyond merely steering and braking, encompassing passenger inquiries, preventing door-related accidents, and managing unforeseen situations. He backed technology that could help them with dangers like drowsiness and blind spots, but questioned whether the policy trajectory of substituting human workers is the right move.