AI doesn't replace programmers, it's used by programmers for efficiency.

Waymo is most definitely not being used by taxi or rideshare drivers to be more efficient.

If a programmer is more efficient with AI then you need fewer programmers, assuming a fixed amount of work is needed. So in that sense AI would be replacing programmers.

I've never worked at a company that would choose to have less programmers instead of choosing to do more work. I guess such companies exist though.

Waymo definitely uses human drivers in some markets... currently

Just like AI still uses human programmers... currently

Sorry, what? Waymo does not use human drivers for passenger trips, unless you’re referring to training drives (with no passenger).

Edit: I think I get what you mean now, you mean when humans have to remotely intervene for whatever reason and pilot the car

As I understand, Waymo still uses humans in some circumstances. Theoretically, the drivers could do this job instead.

https://waymo.com/blog/2024/05/fleet-response/

If it doubles your efficiency, that's one less employee required.