For Lyft, the future of robotaxis is now in the hands of drivers. At least, from the perspective of the new forum it has created.
Historic
On Thursday, Lyft introduced its first-ever driver’s forum, named the Driver Autonomous Forum. It’s not a forum for general topics, or just any topic, but to engage seasoned drivers in shaping key strategies with regard to robotaxis.
This move comes in the scene as self-driving technologies continue to disrupt the ride-hailing industry, interestingly enough. Sure, there are lots of stories this team has done for ridesharing, involving self-driving cars, but to find out that it’s actually a hindrance is new information.
While these robotaxis promise increased efficiency and lower costs, they likewise threaten the livelihoods of gig workers who rely on platforms like Lyft. Right, like artificial intelligence.
Experts have issued warnings that without a perfectly planned rollout, robotaxis could replace the human workforce.
Your insights, please
Under this forum, drivers can convene and discuss, providing input on policies, planning, and future job opportunities. This way, the negative impact of self-driving technology to them can be minimized.
“We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we’re committed to finding solutions together,” emphasized Jeremy Bird, the executive vice president of Driver Experience at Lyft.
The future of robotaxis is booming. Not only Lyft, but Uber and Waymo have also made significant strides in this space.
Starting with Waymo, it has expanded its completely autonomous ride service in Phoenix and San Francisco. As for the part of Uber, it has partnered with various self-driving technology firms to operate driverless taxis.
For Lyft, there’s this goal of expanding its ride-hailing fleet so it becomes a hybrid of human drivers and robotaxis, especially thist ime that the technology is becoming more widely available.
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