Minneapolis mayor vetoes new robotaxi rules

MINNEAPOLIS (NBC, KYMA) - Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed a new ordinance that would require human monitors in the driver's seat of robotaxis.

The new "Workers Drive Minneapolis" policy would have affected any robotaxis in the city, including Waymos, Tesla's Cybercabs and Amazon's Zoox.

Mayor Frey released a statement about his veto saying, "Requiring a driver in a driverless car doesn't make sense."

He said, "Minneapolis is open to innovative technology," but at a council meeting earlier in the week rideshare workers spoke out against robotaxis taking over city streets.

"We work way too hard to be pushed aside while billion-dollar companies and new technology change our industry," said Fowsia Abdi, a rideshare driver.

The City Council will need nine votes to override the mayor's veto.