Dara Khosrowshahi speaks openly about automation, driverless cars and the future of work
In a recent YouTube interview, Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, discussed the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, the future of autonomous vehicles, and the potential impact on millions of jobs linked to the Uber platform.
Speaking in the interview, Khosrowshahi addressed claims that AI could replace up to 9.4–9.5 million roles connected to Uber’s ecosystem. He also stated that as many as 80% of jobs could face major disruption from AI automation by 2035.
The wide-ranging conversation covers both Uber’s financial turnaround and the technological shifts now shaping its future.
From financial crisis to $9 billion free cash flow
Khosrowshahi reflects on taking over Uber during a turbulent period when the company was reportedly losing around $3 billion per year. He describes using what he calls a “wartime” leadership strategy to stabilise operations, enforce greater discipline, and rebuild trust within the organisation.
According to the interview, Uber has since transformed into a business generating more than $9 billion in free cash flow.
He also explains how radical transparency and telling “uncomfortable truths” played a key role in scaling the company and aligning leadership teams.
Going undercover as a driver
During the interview, Khosrowshahi reveals that he went undercover as an Uber driver to better understand the experience from the ground up.
He explains that this hands-on approach changed aspects of the app and highlighted operational challenges that may not have been visible from the boardroom.
This first-hand experience, he suggests, reinforced the importance of staying connected to workers on the platform.
AI, automation and the future of drivers
One of the most striking parts of the discussion focuses on artificial intelligence and automation.
Khosrowshahi outlines how AI is already reshaping Uber’s internal systems, stating that a large percentage of coders now rely on AI tools in their daily workflow.
He also addresses the growing conversation around autonomous vehicles and whether humans could one day be removed entirely from the driving equation. The discussion raises a fundamental question: will AI eliminate millions of driving jobs, or will it create new economic opportunities alongside automation?
The interview does not present automation as a simple replacement story, but rather as part of a wider technological shift affecting industries globally.
DM News Commentary
Whenever the CEO of Uber openly talks about AI potentially disrupting millions of roles, it naturally raises concerns within the taxi and private hire industry.
In the UK, the practical reality is that large-scale driverless adoption still faces major regulatory, licensing and insurance hurdles. Public trust, safety standards and government policy will ultimately shape how quickly automation can scale.
We’ve seen major transitions before in this trade — from radio circuits to app-based bookings — and each shift has reshaped the industry rather than eliminated it overnight.
The key takeaway isn’t fear — it’s awareness.
AI is already changing how platforms operate behind the scenes. Whether that ultimately enhances driver earnings, reshapes job roles, or accelerates autonomous fleets will depend on how operators, drivers and regulators respond over the next decade.
One thing is certain: the conversation around automation is no longer theoretical — it’s happening now at the very top of the industry.
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