Uber pulls back on driver recruiting in cities with robotaxis

Uber is cutting back on recruiting drivers in cities where autonomous taxis are operating, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in an interview with Fast Company.

Khosrowshahi said having fewer new entrants in those markets helps "that the drivers who are [already] in-market, who are experienced, and who've been with us through this whole journey continue to earn." He added that human drivers in places where Uber has added driverless cars, such as Atlanta and Austin, are busier and "making more money," speaking on the "Invest Like the Best" podcast.

An Uber spokesperson said both of Khosrowshahi's statements "can be true at the same time," noting the company is reducing marketing spending in some cities while seeing more drivers sign up on their own as they respond to increased rider demand.

Uber says it will still need human drivers. Andrew Macdonald said last year the number of Uber drivers could rise in the coming years as more people choose ride-hailing services instead of owning cars.

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