Uber Cuts Driver Recruitment in Robotaxi Cities-Will Human Drivers Be Obsolete?

Uber is reducing its efforts to recruit new ride-hailing drivers in cities where autonomous vehicles are being deployed, according to CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

The pullback occurs as self-driving cars from companies such as Waymo become more common in certain markets. Khosrowshahi stated in an article published by Fast Company on June 1, 2026, that the decision is intended to protect the earning potential of existing drivers.

By limiting the number of new entrants in these specific markets, the company aims to ensure that the drivers who are [already] in-market, who are experienced, and who’ve been with us through this whole journey continue to earn, Khosrowshahi told the magazine.

The strategy addresses long-standing concerns among ride-hailing drivers that the proliferation of robotaxis would reduce their opportunities to earn a living.

However, Khosrowshahi indicated that the introduction of autonomous vehicles has not necessarily decreased the viability of human driving in all areas. During a June 3, 2026, episode of the Invest Like the Best podcast, the CEO noted that human drivers in cities where Uber has added driverless cars, such as Austin and Atlanta, are busier than drivers in cities that do not have the technology.

Khosrowshahi stated that drivers in those specific markets are making more money.

He attributed this trend to a rise in overall service usage, suggesting that the presence of autonomous vehicles is drawing more riders to the platform.

The number of drivers joining the platform is increasing, because it looks like AVs are actually adding incremental demand to the platform

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber

An Uber spokesperson told Business Insider that the reduction in recruitment efforts and the increase in driver sign-ups can occur simultaneously. The spokesperson explained that the company is reducing its marketing expenditures in some cities, while more drivers are choosing to sign up for the platform independently in response to increased rider demand.

Despite the integration of robotaxis, Uber maintains that human drivers will remain a necessary part of its operations. Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s COO, stated in 2025 that the total number of drivers on the platform could increase in the coming years.

Macdonald’s projection is based on the expectation that more consumers will choose to use ride-hailing services instead of owning personal vehicles.