Bus, taxi workers feel vulnerable over self-driving future

Seoul’s push to expand the use of autonomous buses and taxis is raising questions about the future of transport workers, with unionized drivers calling for stronger safeguards and a greater say in a transition that could eventually threaten their jobs. While city officials say the technology will initially help address driver shortages rather than displace workers, union representatives want clear answers about their future job security, passenger safety and responsibility in the event of an accident. “Self-driving technology should be limited to supporting human drivers, instead of replacing them,” a Seoul bus union official surnamed Yoo told The Korea Times recently. “Operating without humans is neither feasible nor desirable.” He said drivers’ responsibilities extend beyond simply steering and braking to responding to passenger inquiries, preventing door-related injuries and handling unexpected incidents. He supported technology that can assist them with risks such as drowsy driving and blind spots, but questioned whether the policy direction of replacing human workers wi