DC Robotaxi Bill Faces Committee Vote After Fee Cuts

The District of Columbia City Council’s Transportation Committee is set to vote on a bill authorizing robotaxis on Thursday afternoon. The measure, known as the Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Authorization Amendment Act of 2026, has undergone major revisions this week to address concerns from labor groups and business rivals.

The legislation lowers financial barriers for companies entering the market. The application fee for entry into the District was reduced from an initial $5 million to $15,000. The vehicle miles traveled tax was also cut from 15 cents per mile to 7.5 cents per mile. A committee report cited the need to remain competitive with New York and California, which charge lower fees.

Council member Charles Allen, a sponsor of the bill, stated that the changes create a pathway for limited operations. He described the proposal as having the strongest workforce protections and safety focus in the country. Allen noted that the bill allows companies like Waymo and Zooks, which are already testing vehicles in the city, to expand their fleets.

The bill places strict limits on the number of autonomous vehicles on District roads. Each ride-share company is capped at 200 cars, with a citywide total limit of 800 vehicles. Allen argued that this number is small compared to the 6,000 to 8,000 ride-share vehicles currently on the streets during peak demand. He said the cap allows for commercial operation while letting the District observe market conditions.

Opponents argue that robotaxis will displace human drivers who rely on Uber and Lyft for income. Jaime Contreras, executive vice president of union SCIU 32BJ, said the technology risks sending money earned by local workers to Silicon Valley. He stated that the city must address wage standards and safety while embracing innovation.

The legislation includes provisions to support displaced workers. A quarter of the funds raised from robotaxi fees, taxes, and fines will go toward job training and workforce development. Allen also highlighted that the bill would allow ride-share workers to collectively bargain for the first time. He said this change addresses the issue of companies treating drivers as contract employees who cannot negotiate for better wages or benefits.

The bill faces resistance within the committee. Several members have signaled they will vote to oppose the measure. D.C. Mayor-elect Janeese Lewis George, who serves on the committee, posted on social media last month that rushing the legalization of autonomous vehicles is irresponsible. She cited anticipated job displacement and disruptions to workers.

Anwar Saleem, executive director for H Street Main Street, supported the legislation, calling autonomous vehicles inevitable. He noted that the technology will appear in neighboring states like Virginia and Maryland before it reaches D.C. If the committee passes the bill, it will proceed to a full council vote. Allen said that even if passed, it will be more than a year before robotaxis begin picking up paying customers.