New Orleans leaders discuss proposed rules for driverless ride services

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - City leaders discussed proposed rules for companies offering driverless rides for hire in New Orleans, where Waymo continues to test self-driving vehicles on city streets.

“It adds autonomous vehicles to the city’s existing for-hire vehicle code,” New Orleans City Attorney Ashley Becnel said.

The proposal includes permits and fees for autonomous vehicle companies.

Pickup, idling and emergency rules

“It additionally sets some specific rules where cars can or cannot pick up passengers, where they can idle,” Becnel said.

Becnel said the proposal also addresses how police and other first responders would handle a vehicle during a public safety emergency.

Council President J.P. Morrell said the city is also coordinating with Jefferson Parish on potential rules across parish lines.

Resident wants fees spent on public transit

New Orleans resident Bob Danton said he hopes revenue from the fees will go toward improving transportation options.

“Dedicate the majority of them directly to public transit, allowing us to take advantage of this situation to make meaningful improvements to transportation options available to the hard-working residents of the city that need them the most,” Danton said.

Taxi driver raises safety concerns

Maizy Stell, a New Orleans taxi driver for 12 years, said she is concerned about how driverless rides could affect public safety and drivers’ livelihoods.

“I don’t think that’s gonna be safe for our citizens or any of our visitors,” Stell said.

“I don’t think that they’re going to be able to make proper stops in unpredictable situations, like people who are intoxicated lying down in the street,” Stell said.

Councilmember asks about crowded streets

Councilmember Jason Hughes said he is concerned about how the technology would handle crowded streets.

“What happens if the vehicle just gets so confused and decides to just stop indefinitely? That could cause a nightmare in a historic district like the French Quarter, so those are just some questions I would like answered,” Hughes said.

Council members are calling for Waymo representatives to attend a future meeting to answer questions about the technology.

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