Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has received approval to test its autonomous vehicle technology on public roads in New York City. This marks the city’s first authorization of its kind and allows for a testing phase that may introduce driverless vehicles to areas including Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. Mayor Eric Adams, expressing the city's enthusiasm for tech progress, said, "We're a tech-friendly administration and we're always looking for innovative ways to safely move our city forward," in a statement obtained by CBS News New York.
As reported by NBC New York, the permit allows Waymo to test up to eight autonomous vehicles until late September, after which it could apply for an extension. While navigating New York state's strict regulations, a trained autonomous vehicle specialist must be behind the wheel at all times, ensuring a layer of human oversight amid this experiment with self-guided machines.
The city's Department of Transportation (DOT) has outlined stringent conditions for Waymo's operation. Like agreeing to regular check-ins and data sharing to demonstrate adherence to cybersecurity practices. However, the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) currently prohibits the use of autonomous vehicles for for-hire services. Under existing regulations, Waymo must obtain a TLC license before it can provide ride services, meaning the vehicles will not be available for public hailing at this stage.
Responses to Waymo’s entry into New York City include differing viewpoints. The Transit Workers Union has raised concerns about the impact of autonomous vehicles on pedestrian safety and emergency access. "Waymo will turn pedestrians into cannon fodder and will block streets for emergency responders," said TWU International President John Samuelsen. Meanwhile, Paige Carbone of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) New York noted the potential safety benefits of the technology "if deployed responsibly and safely." She told CBS News New York, "We welcome this next step for New Yorkers as Waymo receives the first permit of its kind."
Last year, autonomous vehicle technology was tested in New York through the deployment of self-driving shuttles at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Waymo’s current testing in city environments presents a more complex scenario. Annabel Chang, Waymo’s Head of State and Local Public Policy, stated, "With over 10 million rides completed in five major U.S. cities and a strong safety record, we're proud to be working with leaders to lay the groundwork to bring this life saving technology to New Yorkers one day," as per report by CBS News New York.
