According to TechCrunch, a D.C. bill permitting autonomous vehicles to operate has become the flashpoint for Uber's robotaxi policy strategy. Uber opposes the measure and is pushing instead for rules requiring robotaxis to operate through ride-hailing networks that also include human drivers. That position directly conflicts with its partner Waymo.

Uber argues the bill creates a de facto monopoly and squeezes out for-hire drivers. The counterargument is simpler: if autonomous vehicles meet safety standards, forcing them onto a mixed human-robot network looks less like consumer protection and more like an incumbent defending turf.

Uber spent years convincing cities that platforms are infrastructure. Now it's learning that robotaxi companies want to skip the platform and own the entire trip. This D.C. bill matters far beyond D.C. If Waymo wins rules letting autonomy providers deal directly with riders, Uber's best future isn't dominating robotaxis. It's negotiating not to be cut out by Waymo.