1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding Tesla's recent permit approval to operate a ride-hailing service in Arizona. As a motorcyclist and concerned citizen, I urge you to prioritize public safety by demanding rigorous testing and transparent safety protocols before allowing Tesla's robotaxis on our roads. On November 13, Tesla applied for a "transportation network company" permit, which was approved on Monday by the Arizona Department of Transportation. While this is just the first step towards operating a robotaxi service, it sets a concerning precedent. Tesla's track record of overpromising and underdelivering on autonomous driving capabilities is alarming. CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly claimed that the company is "on the cusp" of making self-driving very safe, yet these promises have gone unfulfilled for years. The safety of all road users, especially vulnerable ones like motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists, must be paramount. Tesla's plan to remove human safety drivers from its cars in Austin, Texas before the end of this year, and to operate a commercial robotaxi service in Phoenix by 2026, seems rushed and potentially dangerous. I implore you to take immediate action. First, mandate comprehensive, independent safety testing of Tesla's autonomous vehicles before any further permits are granted. Second, require Tesla to provide detailed safety data and protocols specific to interactions with motorcycles and other vulnerable road users. Third, establish clear benchmarks for safety performance that must be met before allowing robotaxis to operate without human safety drivers. The stakes are too high to rely on corporate assurances alone. While companies like Waymo have demonstrated a more measured approach, operating 400 autonomous vehicles in Phoenix after years of testing, Tesla's aggressive timeline raises red flags. We must learn from the experiences of other cities and prioritize safety over speed-to-market. Your action on this matter is crucial. The lives and safety of your constituents depend on thorough oversight and responsible implementation of new technologies on our roads. Please act now to ensure that our streets remain safe for all users, including motorcyclists like myself.