San Francisco mayor: ‘We should be the testbed for emerging tech’

Waymo and Zoox robotaxis are a regular sight on San Francisco streets and soon Uber, through a partnership with Lucid and Nuro, will descend on the city as well. It is exactly how San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie likes it.

“I think we should be the testbed for emerging technology and AI and health care tech — and all of it,” Lurie said Wednesday on the main stage of TechCrunch Disrupt. “We always have been, and under my leadership, we will continue to lead and lean in.”

Lurie added that he is proud of the success that Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle tech company, has had in the Bay Area. And, he said “we welcome others.”

Lurie was quick to say that safety comes first, adding that regulations for autonomous vehicles are regulated at the state level. The California Department of Motor Vehicles regulates the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles. But companies that want to offer and charge for robotaxi rides, must also get permits from the California Public Utilities Commission.

While Lurie is opening his arms to autonomous vehicles, other cities are more resistant. Boston, for instance, has considered a ban on autonomous vehicles in the city.

“Waymo has proven out it is a safe ride,” he said, noting that the robotaxis have attracted tourists who come the city to take a ride in the driverless vehicles. “We’re hoping it opens at the airport shortly, and can take people here into the city.”

That doesn’t mean there won’t be some resistance. For instance, the Teamsters Union has lobbied for restrictions on self-driving trucks in a bid to protect jobs.

Lurie, meanwhile, has taken a bullish view on tech and the money and jobs it can bring to the city.

“We believe in the future,” he said. “The future starts always in San Francisco, and we’re going to lean into it.”