Uber Bets on Hybrid Networks to Shape AV Regulation and Slow Robotaxi Adoption
Uber is pursuing a strategy to be the platform connecting riders to both human drivers and autonomous vehicles, signing deals with multiple AV makers while pushing for 'hybrid network' rules that would keep human drivers involved for years and potentially bottleneck standalone robotaxi apps in places like New Jersey and Washington, D.C. The effort, framed as worker protection and competition control, complements Uber’s existing partnerships with firms like Waymo as it seeks to influence AV regulation and market structure.