As the streets of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn become the testing grounds for Waymo's driverless cars, New York City taxi drivers are expressing vehement opposition, raising concerns over the potential erosion of their livelihoods, according to ABC7NY. The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers has called upon Governor Kathy Hochul to intervene and halt the advances of this autonomous technology, which they view as a job killer and a safety risk in an already congested city.
In a display of unity against the perceived threat, taxi drivers rallied outside Governor Hochul's office, signaling their discontent with the pilot program that allows for the testing of up to eight Waymo vehicles until late September; the president of the federation, Fernando Mateo, conveyed their displeasure, suggesting that those who stand behind driverless vehicles seek to undermine the transportation industry in New York, as reported by NY1.
The taxi drivers are not alone in their concern; Chanel Hernandez, an owner of a black car service, echoed the worries of many stating that "My concern is that it is going to put our drivers out of business and many of our companies out of business," in an interview with NY1. These concerns highlight an ongoing tension within the gig economy, where advances in technology continuously collide with the security of traditional employment.
While criticism looms among the ranks of drivers, some New Yorkers seem open to the introduction of driverless vehicles, with one expressing their comfort with the tech, saying "You don’t have to worry about interacting with another person and they never mess up," underscoring the mixed reception to the emergence of autonomous vehicles in the city. Despite the protests, both Waymo and city officials assert a commitment to safety and modernization in transportation, Waymo remains committed to working with the New York community, and Mayor Adams has stated his support for both innovation and the taxi industry although critics fear testing is but a step toward full integration said a spokesperson for Waymo in a statement obtained by NY1.
