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Will ‘Robotaxis’ in San Francisco Leave Cabbies and Ride-App Contractors Struggling with Earnings and Homelessness?
The impending arrival of Robotaxis in San Francisco has sent shockwaves through the city, leaving cabbies and ride-app contractors paralyzed with fear over the uncertain future of their livelihoods. They are concerned about how this might impact their earnings and potentially contribute to the rise of homelessness among this specific group of workers. Understanding the effects that the growing autonomous vehicle industry could have on traditional taxi drivers and ride-app contractors is essential. San Francisco’s cabbies and ride-app contractors have been experiencing some concerns lately.
The Expansion of Robotaxis has Sparked Protests, and there are Worries about Shrinking Earnings!
San Francisco’s debut of Robotaxis has brought about anxieties regarding the effect on the pay of cab drivers and ride-app contractors. These individuals are concerned that autonomous vehicles’ arrival could worsen their dwindling earnings. Traditional taxi drivers have already seen a considerable reduction in customers and income due to the emergence of ride-sharing applications. Including Robotaxis into the transportation, scene could amplify this predicament, as self-driving vehicles provide more cost-effective and streamlined rides, ultimately leading to an even greater decrease in the demand for conventional taxi services.
Not switching to ride-sharing apps reflects the concern exhibited by taxi owners, who have lowered their prices to remain in business and compete with affordable and convenient ride apps. However, this approach may only be viable in the present as it compounds their already meager earnings. The advent of Robotaxis could present a graver challenge to the livelihoods of cabbies and ride-app workers, as they may encounter difficulties contending with cost-effective and efficient autonomous vehicles.
The potential decline in earnings due to the introduction of Robotaxis in San Francisco could worsen the already significant issue of homelessness among cabbies and ride-app contractors.
The high housing costs in the city create a precarious situation for these workers. Further economic hardship may push more individuals into homelessness, as a study conducted in 2020 revealed a 9 percent increase in the estimated homelessness rate for every $100 increase in median rent.
The impact on earnings is not the only concern; introducing Robotaxis could increase homelessness in San Francisco. With the potential earnings decrease for cabbies and ride-app contractors and the already pricey housing in San Francisco, this group of workers could be at an increased risk of homelessness. The introduction of Robotaxis will only worsen matters, reducing their income and making it even more challenging for them to find affordable housing in the city.
Moreover, implementing Robotaxis in San Francisco has sparked worries among taxi drivers and ride-app freelancers regarding their income and the possible upsurge in homelessness. The decreasing earnings of these individuals, coupled with the exorbitant housing expenses in the urban area, produce a dubious predicament for them. As self-driving cars gain prominence, examining the potential repercussions on conventional cab drivers and ride-app freelancers becomes crucial.
References
- No driver? No problem. Robotaxis eye San Francisco. (n.d.) Retrieved July 15, 2023, from apnews.com
- Robotaxi haters in San Francisco are turning off AVs. (n.d.) Retrieved July 15, 2023, from techcrunch.com
- San Francisco Drivers Fear the Human Cost of Robotaxis. (n.d.) Retrieved July 15, 2023, from sfstandard.com
- The Economic Impact of Ride-Hailing Apps on the Taxi. (n.d.) Retrieved July 15, 2023, from www.snoqap.com
- City Council’s Stated Priorities. (n.d.) Retrieved July 15, 2023, from www.longbeach.gov
- A new study says high housing costs, low-income push. (n.d.) Retrieved July 15, 2023, from abc7news.com
- Inflation is making homelessness worse. (n.d.) Retrieved July 15, 2023, from www.washingtonpost.com
Originally published at https://www.newsbreak.com.
