Waymo self-driving taxis to begin testing in New York City following approval from the mayor.

The administration of Mayor Eric Adams has announced the approval of Waymo’s application to test autonomous vehicle technology in New York City. This decision marks a notable step forward in the ongoing exploration of self-driving technologies, albeit with significant restrictions. Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, is now permitted to conduct tests on a limited number of vehicles, albeit with the requirement that a human driver must be present in the driver’s seat at all times.

In a statement regarding the approval, Mayor Adams emphasized the administration’s commitment to fostering technological innovation while prioritizing safety. He noted that the testing will be confined to defined parameters, enabling the integration of advanced technology into the city’s transportation landscape while ensuring public safety remains paramount.

Previously, media reports indicated that Waymo actively campaigned for permission to operate fully autonomous vehicles on New York City streets, a concept currently restricted by state law. Since July, Waymo has been operating vehicles equipped with a distinctive spinning sensor array, consistently under the supervision of a human driver. With the recent approval from the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT), autonomous features can now be activated within a specific corridor stretching from below 110th Street in Manhattan to parts of Downtown Brooklyn.

Ydanis Rodriguez, the city’s Transportation Commissioner, reinforced the commitment to safety in autonomous vehicle testing. He stated that the Department has instituted comprehensive safety guidelines to regulate the use of self-driving technology in city environments. These regulations obligate Waymo to report any instances where human intervention becomes necessary during the testing phase, which is scheduled to last for several weeks. Following this period, the company must reapply for further testing permissions.

Notably, New York State law continues to constrain fully autonomous operation of vehicles without a human presence. Waymo’s aspirations to implement driverless services akin to those offered in cities like San Francisco face legislative hurdles in New York. Current legislative efforts aimed at amending this prohibitive law are languishing within the State Senate.

Bhairavi Desai, the executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, expressed skepticism regarding the city’s embrace of autonomous technology, suggesting that the community’s demand for driverless cars remains dubious. She argued that New York City, with its rich culture of human interaction, may not be an ideal candidate for such technology. Moreover, the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission maintains strict rules against the operation of self-driving features in for-hire vehicles, underscoring the regulatory complexities faced by Waymo.

The conversation surrounding driverless technology continues to evolve, reflecting broader societal views on technology, safety, and urban life. It remains to be seen how this phase of testing will influence public perceptions and future regulations in New York City.

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