Self-Driving Robotaxis Arriving in Atlanta Raise Concerns Over Accessibility for Wheelchair Users

Exciting Times in Atlanta: Self-Driving Robotaxis Are Coming, But What About Accessibility?

Atlanta is buzzing with excitement over the upcoming arrival of self-driving robotaxis through the rideshare service Uber, expected to hit the streets in early 2025. However, this news isn’t the universal celebration it might seem, especially for wheelchair users like Carden Wyckoff, who see a gap in accessibility options.

What’s the Deal with the Robotaxis?

These distinct cars, identifiable by their shiny white cover and an array of cameras, have been spotted around Atlanta this past year, meticulously training to navigate the city streets. Owned by Alphabet, these vehicles have already made their presence known in major regions like San Francisco and Austin, and now Atlanta residents can request rides via the familiar Uber app. Riders can use Uber Green, Uber X, Uber Comfort, or the new Uber Comfort Electric for rides in these autonomous vehicles. Although cool, this innovation comes with some limitations—particularly concerning accessibility for those who rely on wheelchairs.

The Accessibility Problem

Wyckoff has long sought to use rideshare services to enhance her mobility throughout Atlanta, yet she quickly discovered that current options are greatly lacking for wheelchair users. When the news first dropped, she reached out to Waymo, the company behind the self-driving cars, hoping to get confirmation on their accessibility. “I got really excited,” Wyckoff said. “I tweeted and was like, ‘Oh, this is great; they’re going to be wheelchair accessible.’” However, her excitement didn’t last long after reaching out to contacts in California and discovering a concerning trend: the data indicated that not one person had hailed a wheelchair-accessible vehicle in states where Waymo already operates.

Heartbreak and Advocacy

After further investigation, including reaching out to her local council member, Amir Farokhi, it was confirmed: the autonomous vehicles in Atlanta will not be wheelchair accessible. “That’s when I just started crying,” Wyckoff recalled. “I was very upset because Uber is not accessible in Georgia.” Current legislation in Georgia eases requirements around wheelchair accessibility for rideshares, making it a challenge for individuals who need such options. This means that Wyckoff and others are left back at square one.

The Reality of Day-to-Day Travel

Living car-free in Atlanta has meant relying heavily on public transport, which requires careful planning to make connections and travel efficiently. Unlike many residents who can hop into a car on a whim, for Wyckoff, an impromptu dinner outing with friends turns into a logistical puzzle. “I time everything to the minute because it allows me to determine whether or not I’m going to make a connection or not,” she explained. This relentless math around public transit means that accessibility is more than just convenience; it’s about having the freedom to be spontaneous, like everyone else.

Looking to the Future: Calls for Change

Despite the challenges, Wyckoff is leading the charge for change, highlighting how cities like New York and Chicago have managed to require rideshare companies to offer wheelchair-accessible options. “There is no equity right now in rideshare in the state of Georgia,” Wyckoff remarks. She emphasizes the need for a regulatory framework that mandates accessibility in services like those technology companies offer. “The state has to provide financial incentivization,” she adds, imploring local leaders to push for equity as self-driving services roll into Atlanta.

A Bright Spot in Advocacy

While current services fall short, there is hope for change in Atlanta. Farokhi’s 2019 report laid the groundwork for understanding how other cities tackle rideshare accessibility. There’s a consensus that private companies should share the responsibility for ensuring that all forms of transport are usable by everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.

As upcoming innovations like Waymo’s self-driving cars roll into Atlanta, many, including Wyckoff, are eagerly watching—and advocating for change—to ensure that those who rely on wheelchair-accessible rides also have the freedom to get around just like everyone else.