With Elon Musk’s recent launch of the first fully autonomous, AI-powered taxi, the U.S. transportation industry stands on the brink of a dramatic transformation. While these robotaxis promise increased efficiency and lower operational costs, the implications for the workforce are deeply troubling.

Currently, there are over 1.5 million taxi drivers in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this number is just a fraction of the 3.5 million truck drivers and 1.2 million delivery personnel who face job displacement as automation begins to dominate the market. As we embrace AI-driven solutions, the future of these workers hangs in the balance.

If I ever have the option, I will always choose a human driver. There’s an irreplaceable sense of connection, trust, and comfort that comes from human interaction — elements that machines simply cannot replicate. A 2022 survey revealed that 70% of passengers prefer human drivers over automated ones, citing safety and emotional connection as primary concerns.

But this is just the beginning. AI is poised to optimize industries far beyond transportation. Sectors like freight, aviation, and logistics are likely to undergo similar transformations in the coming decade. By 2035, experts predict a full transition to AI-driven systems across various sectors, which could lead to job losses in the millions. A study from the World Economic Forum projects that 85 million jobs may be displaced globally by 2025, while 97 million new roles could emerge — though many of these will require different skill sets.

However, the issue at hand goes beyond mere economic displacement. Many individuals don’t choose their careers solely for financial reasons; they have a genuine passion for their work. Take pilots, for instance: they take pride in every takeoff and landing, mastering the art of flight. AI threatens to strip away the human element of these professions, robbing people of the ability to pursue what they love.

Sure, you may still be able to fly a small Cessna for leisure, but your dream of piloting an A380 from New York to London? That might soon become an impossibility. This conversation isn’t merely about jobs anymore — it’s about freedom.

The freedom to choose your profession, to find purpose in your work. As AI continues to take over, the notion of human rights and freedoms related to career choice may soon become a relic of the past. Will we be mere passengers in a world driven by technology, or will we reclaim our autonomy and ensure that our professions remain a reflection of our passions?

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