Driverless cars, but with a driver? Minneapolis proposal sparks debate over jobs, safety

A Minneapolis proposal would require companies offering driverless rides to obtain a city license and keep a paid human monitor in the driver’s seat, setting up a debate over whether the regulations are needed to protect workers and the public or would undercut the purpose and potential benefits of autonomous vehicles.

The proposed ordinance, called Workers Drive Minneapolis, would regulate autonomous transportation network companies providing fare-paying trips that originate in Minneapolis. Under the proposal, a human would have to be physically present in the driver’s seat with immediate access to the steering, brakes and accelerator. Remote human operation would be prohibited.

The ordinance is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1, 2027, if approved.

Council Members Robin Wonsley and Jamal Osman, two of the ordinance authors, said the proposal is intended to address two concerns: public safety and the pote...