You can soon ride robotaxis in New York
What's the story
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to introduce a bill that would legalize robotaxis in the state. However, the proposed legislation would not apply to New York City, the state's most populous metropolis. The move is part of an effort to expand the state's autonomous vehicle (AV) pilot program, which is currently limited in scope.
Legislation specifics
Bill details and commercial operation requirements
The proposed bill would expand the existing AV pilot program to allow "limited deployment of commercial for-hire autonomous passenger vehicles outside New York City." Firms looking to operate robotaxi services commercially would have to submit applications showing local support for AV deployment, and adherence to the highest possible safety standards. However, it's unclear what these terms mean or how they will be enforced by multiple agencies including DMV, DOT, and NYSP.
Industry reaction
Waymo welcomes Hochul's proposal
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has welcomed Hochul's proposal. Justin Kintz, Waymo's head of global public policy, said it was "a transformative moment for New York's transportation system." He said the state could combine its investments in traffic management strategies with Waymo's safe technology to create a more accessible future.
Regulatory challenges
Current laws and AV pilot program exemptions
Under current New York state law, drivers must keep one hand on the wheel at all times. This poses a challenge for robotaxi operators like Waymo, as there is no human driver behind the wheel. However, the state's AV pilot program has provided an exemption to this rule, allowing firms to develop and test autonomous vehicles in New York.
Testing approval
Waymo's testing permit and future prospects
Last year, NYC regulators granted a permit to Waymo to test its robotaxis in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. The permit allows the deployment of up to eight Jaguar I-Pace vehicles with a human safety operator behind the wheel. However, even with this permit, Waymo can't carry passengers or operate a commercial robotaxi service without separate licenses from the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission.