New Orleans proposal would impose robotaxi fees and safety rules

New Orleans City Council President JP Morrell has proposed permit fees and safety requirements for robotaxis, NOLA.com reported. Companies would pay $7,500 annually, $50 per registered vehicle and 50 cents per trip. Safety violations could bring license revocation or fines of up to $2,000. The proposal would require human or remote intervention when vehicles malfunction, daily operating records and wheelchair accessibility. Waymo representatives told Morrell that state law gives Louisiana sole regulatory authority over the company; Morrell disputes that interpretation. The council's Government Affairs Committee is scheduled to review the proposal on Oct. 27.