Democrats Are Failing the Waymo Test
The Atlantic argues that Democratic-led cities are hindering the adoption of driverless vehicle technology by blocking Waymo and other robotaxi services. The author contends that these policies prioritize labor union interests over the potential safety and convenience benefits of autonomous transportation.
Why it matters
It highlights a growing political divide regarding the regulation of autonomous technology and the tension between labor unions and tech innovation.
Cities that say no to driverless cars are blocking a technology that would change their residents’ lives for the better.
Illustration by The Atlantic. Source: Getty. August 19, 2026, 7 AM ET Share Save The driverless future is here —but, to borrow from William Gibson, it’s not evenly distributed. Waymo’s self-driving robotaxis are available in cities in California, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. Aside from California, where the technology originated, those are all red or purple states. In every other blue state, meanwhile, driverless taxis are still not allowed to operate. If you live in Miami or Dallas, you can summon a Waymo to get where you’re going. If you live in Boston or New York, you can’t.
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