Weekly Roundup: Uber CEO Says Human Drivers Safe from Robotaxis for Next Five Years

Read what's trending in the rideshare and delivery world with RSG contributor Johan in our weekly round-up.

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Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says human drivers are safe from robotaxis for at least five years. Is Uber charging more for rides when your battery is low? “Sami’s Law” could force machine-readable codes on rideshare vehicles in Pennsylvania. Oahu proposes rideshare vehicles be used for 911 calls. We break it all down for you.

Uber CEO Says Human Drivers Safe from Robotaxis for Next Five Years

Source – YouTube

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In a recent CNBC interview at the Davos summit, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said human drivers are safe from robotaxis for at least the next five years. Khosrowshahi described a “hybrid network” that will develop over the next decade, where human drivers will remain the predominant workforce, with autonomous vehicles slowly being integrated into the system.

• Khosrowshahi predicts autonomous vehicle technology will be ready for prime time within two years, but commercialization will take longer due to high costs.
• He also said that Uber drivers are adopting electric vehicles five times faster than the general public.

Investigation Reveals Uber Charges More for Rides When Device Battery Is Low

SOURCE – X.com

Lower battery levels reportedly corresponded with higher ride fares, according to a new investigation in India, suggesting that Uber’s algorithm might leverage users’ urgent needs to increase prices, potentially exploiting consumers’ situational vulnerabilities. Uber has denied these claims.

• Rishabh Singh discovered that ride costs could be influenced by factors such as the type of phone used and the device’s battery level, uncovering potential discrepancies in Uber’s pricing algorithm.
• Singh also identified significant fare variations between Android and iOS devices, indicating that Uber’s pricing algorithm may apply different rates based on what device you are using.

• This news follows an investigation conducted by More Perfect Union in the U.S. that found Uber would pay different drivers different amounts for the same ride.

Proposed Legislation in Pennsylvania Could Require Machine-Readable Codes on Rideshare Vehicles

SOURCE – ABC News Philadelphia

A Pennsylvania representative is set to propose legislation aimed at enhancing safety measures for rideshare services within the state. Known as “Sami’s Law,” the bill mandates these companies to implement distinct machine-readable codes on vehicles, ensuring passengers board the correct rideshare vehicle.

• The law is inspired by the tragic incident involving Samantha Josephson, who was mistakenly abducted and murdered after entering the wrong vehicle, highlighting the necessity for improved identification measures.
• The bill would also introduce criminal penalties for drivers or companies failing to adhere to these new identification requirements.

Oahu’s Proposal to Partner with Rideshare Companies for Non-Emergency Medical Transport Raises Concerns Among Drivers

SOURCE – Hawaii News Now

Oahu’s plan to alleviate ambulance strain by integrating rideshare companies for minor medical emergencies has led to questions and concerns from drivers. The Nurse Navigator program aims to redirect non-urgent 911 calls to rideshare drivers to transport patients to healthcare facilities, raising driver concerns about safety and responsibilities.

• Rideshare drivers express worries about their lack of medical training and the potential exposure to illnesses when transporting patients in non-emergency situations.
• Officials state that individuals with contagious diseases or mobility issues will not be eligible for rideshare transport. Additionally, drivers are assured of assistance for cleaning up in case of passenger illness, with the cost covered by Lyft’s resources.

Uber Driver Ticketed for Distracted Driving While Accepting Offer

SOURCE – YouTube Shorts

In British Columbia, a delivery driver in Vancouver was ticketed for distracted driving because he accepted an Uber Eats offer. Last September, the driver disputed his $368 fine and won. But the British Columbia government appealed the ruling and then had his acquittal overturned by the British Columbia Supreme Court.

The reason why? Under the British Columbia law, a user can touch the screen once, only when initiating, accepting, or ending a telephone call. Since the driver was accepting an Uber Eats offer, the law did not apply to him. Find out more in our latest YouTube Short!

QUICK HITS

• In response to Colorado bill CO SB75, which mandates transparency in driver payment disclosures, Uber has announced the removal of certain Uber Pro rewards for drivers in Colorado, such as area preferences and priority support, starting February 1, 2025. – /r/UberDrivers on Reddit
• Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi suggests society must evaluate the acceptable error rate of AI systems like robotaxis against their benefits, questioning how significantly better AI needs to be than humans, as he discussed during a World Economic Forum panel. – Business Insider
• GQ writer P.E. Moskowitz writes about a New Years’ resolution to rely less on delivery apps, claiming “it’s time to quit DoorDash and Uber Eats.” – GQ

Must Listen Or Watch RSG Content

Here are this week’s featured podcast episode and YouTube videos:

• RSG263: Justin Pappan on Renting a Fleet of Teslas! (EV Access)
• Uber/Lyft Could See BIG Changes In PA With “Sami’s Law”
• Dara K Was HIGHEST Earner Of The Week?!
• Hey Lyft I Am NOT Your Employee!
• The Rideshare Guy en Espa?ol
• Make sure you Subscribe so you don’t miss out on future conversations and interviews!