Weekly Roundup: Waymo Returns to NYC, Applies for Robotaxi Permit

Waymo applies for a NYC permit. DoorDash and Uber Eats face tough legal scrutiny in Canada over hidden “drip fees.” Uber cuts a labor peace deal with Chicago unions. Uber launches ads that help brands pay for your next ride.

We break it all down for you.

Waymo is Returning to NYC to Test Vehicles, Applying for a Robotaxi Testing Permit

SOURCE – Bloomberg (Paywall free)

Waymo applied for a permit to test its robotaxis in Manhattan under human supervision, signaling its ambition to eventually operate commercially in New York City. New York’s current regulations do not allow commercial driverless operations, so the company will continue to collect data with human drivers starting next month.

• Waymo aims to influence regulatory changes that could eventually allow fully autonomous service in the city.

• The company previously ran tests in NYC in 2021 under the same parameters.

• New York City currently lacks any permits for commercial autonomous rideshare, with state law also barring such services.

• Want to learn more about the world of robotaxis and autonomy? Be sure to subscribe to The Driverless Digest!

DoorDash Refutes Claims of Data Sharing With ICE for Driver Deportations

SOURCE – Snopes

A widely shared rumor circulating on social media this month claimed that DoorDash was providing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with data to facilitate the deportation of its delivery drivers. However, this allegation was thoroughly debunked by Snopes.

• Snopes discovered the viral story was based on AI-generated misinformation and fake images.

• DoorDash confirmed the company has no special agreements with law enforcement and only responds to official requests with valid legal orders.

• DoorDash’s official guidelines require a subpoena, court order, or warrant for law enforcement requests, with exceptions only in emergencies involving immediate danger.

Uber, Unions Strike Labor Peace Deal in Chicago

SOURCE – Chicago Tribune (Paywall free)

Uber has reached a labor peace agreement with Illinois’ drivers unions, agreeing not to oppose organizing efforts in exchange for halting a proposed Chicago ordinance that would have raised rideshare drivers pay. The deal paves the way for unions to organize the state’s 100,000 rideshare drivers and aims to pass statewide legislation granting collective bargaining rights while retaining drivers’ independent contractor status.

• Efforts continue with Lyft for a similar agreement. Negotiations are still occurring.

• The proposed City Council ordinance would have set a pay floor at $1.50 per mile and 62.5 cents per minute, plus new safety and transparency rules, but was withdrawn as part of the deal.

• With the labor peace agreement, unions seek to extend driver protections and bargaining rights beyond Chicago to cover drivers statewide, without sacrificing their scheduling flexibility.

DoorDash and Uber Eats Face Legal Action in Canada Over Hidden “Drip Pricing” Fees

SOURCE – National Post

DoorDash is being taken to Canada’s Competition Tribunal by the Competition Bureau, while Uber Eats is the target of a proposed class-action lawsuit, both over the use of “drip pricing.” Regulators allege that such practices mislead consumers, obscure real costs, and make it harder to comparison shop, resulting in unfair competition.

• Drip pricing is the practice of advertising low delivery prices but adding mandatory fees during checkout.

• The Competition Bureau alleges DoorDash has used drip pricing for nearly a decade, earning up to $1 billion in mandatory fees, and seeks to halt the practice, impose penalties, and demand restitution for consumers.

Uber Launches Brand-Paid Discounts on Rides as Part of Expanding Advertising Strategy

SOURCE – Business Insider

Uber is introducing a new advertising format where brands pay to offer users cash discounts on their next rides, aiming to make ads more relevant and valuable for both riders and marketers. Molson Coors is the first advertiser for these “Ride Offers,” which appear as in-app ads with instant ride discounts, as Uber grows its ad business to compete with tech giants and retail media networks.

• Uber’s ad revenues hit a $1.5 billion run rate in 2025, with ads served in the Uber app, in-car screens, emails, and car top displays, and are set to expand to external platforms using Uber’s data.

• Advertisers can tap Uber’s unique purchase and location data for targeted ads, though Uber faces stiff competition in the crowded digital advertising market from established players like Google, Meta, and Amazon.

Lyft Threatens to Ban Drivers Over Third-Party Apps

SOURCE – YouTube Shorts

Lyft has issued formal warnings to drivers detected using unauthorized third-party applications, threatening account deactivation for violating Lyft’s Terms of Service. Lyft used “customer obsession” as a justification for the change. This is despite research showing these tools can boost driver income by 10-15%. Why is this? Watch the YouTube Short to learn more.

QUICK HITS

• Lyft is rolling out a new scooter model with pink wheels. – CNET

• Uber and Lyft continue to lead the opposition against legislation that would make rideshare safer for passengers and drivers with enhanced background checks. – Stateline

• A union-backed group supporting NYC mayoral candidate Adrienne Adams has spent almost $300,000 on ads, but its sole funding comes secretly from DoorDash, which is opposing new sick leave proposals. – The City

• Want to learn more about the robotaxi industry? Subscribe to The Driverless Digest, our new newsletter and podcast dedicated to the future of autonomous vehicles.

Must Listen Or Watch RSG Content

Here are this week’s featured podcast episode and YouTube videos:

• Should You Chase Uber Surge? Why Most Drivers Get Burned

• Drivers Earn MORE Multi-Apping (The Data PROVES It)

• How This Uber Driver Makes It Work After 30000 Trips

• Why Wingz Could Be A GAME CHANGER For Drivers

• Make sure you Subscribe so you don’t miss out on future conversations and interviews!

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe now for free so you never miss an update…

Never miss a Rideshare Guy update…

Twitter/X │ YouTube │ Instagram │Facebook │ LinkedIn │ TikTok