{
  "id": 7846814,
  "title": "Americans are so concerned about autonomous vehicles that Minneapolis is considering requiring drivers to sit inside Waymos",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/americans-are-so-concerned-about-autonomous-vehicles-that-minneapolis",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-16T18:12:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fortune",
    "slug": "fortune",
    "url": "https://fortune.com/2026/09/16/autonomous-vehicles-minneapolis-city-council-waymo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Concern over autonomous cars is prompting Minneapolis to consider new regulations, with four city councilors proposing an ordinance that would mandate licensed drivers to act as safety monitors for self-driving vehicles. These human drivers would have full control over steering, braking, and acceleration, earning at least minimum wage. The proposed rule, set to be discussed at a public hearing on September 22, would take effect in October if approved. Currently, no other U.S. city has implemented a similar measure, despite over 65 bills introduced by lawmakers in 25 states. Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous vehicle company, has been testing its fleet in the Twin Cities since November 2025, though the company has about 4,000 driverless vehicles in 15 test cities worldwide. Despite making up less than 1% of the U.S. rideshare market, the robotaxi industry is projected to account for 8% by 2030, generating $7 billion in revenue. However, Americans are wary of self-driving cars, with a Pew Research Center poll revealing that 71% would feel at least somewhat uncomfortable riding in one. Council members argue that unregulated automated cars could pose safety risks, disrupt traffic, affect public transportation, and displace thousands of gig workers. Waymo's state and local public policy manager, Adam Lane, contends that the proposal effectively bans autonomous vehicles, emphasizing that the company is collaborating with local organizations to tackle safety and mobility challenges. A study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that Waymo's vehicles have a lower crash involvement rate than human-operated cars. Lane stated that Waymo remains committed to working with officials on a solution that would allow Minnesotans to choose fully autonomous transportation.",
  "summary": "A proposed ordinance would require human “safety monitors” to be paid at least a minimum wage to sit in these self-driving cars.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}