Connie Llanos sees the potential of the self-driving future and the peril of its present state.
The interim general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation believes robotaxis can improve safety on the city's streets and provide independence for disabled and elderly citizens — someday.
Now, she looks at ongoing problems with driverless deployments in San Francisco and sees a gap between promises and reality.
"I don't yet have a proof of concept that I'm able to get those benefits," Llanos told Automotive News. "What I do know is there are some very real tension points."
Those include friction between city officials who want data from robotaxi companies on their operations and figuring out a more collaborative approach to how autonomous driving technology can shape transportation.