Waymo's aspirations to expand its robotaxi services in New York have encountered a significant hurdle. Governor Kathy Hochul has decided to withdraw a proposal aimed at modifying vehicle and traffic regulations to permit robotaxis to operate outside of New York City.
Sean Butler, a spokesperson for Governor Hochul, confirmed the proposal's withdrawal, citing a lack of legislative support as a key reason. "Conversations with various stakeholders made it evident that there wasn't enough backing to move this proposal forward," he stated in an email.
This setback is particularly impactful for Waymo, which has been striving for years, alongside other autonomous vehicle companies, to test and launch robotaxi services in New York.
Waymo expressed its disappointment in a statement, noting, "We receive feedback from numerous New Yorkers who have enjoyed our services in other cities and are eager for the same experience at home. They desire the safety, privacy, and comfort that riders in other major cities currently have. While we are disheartened by the Governor's decision, we remain dedicated to bringing our services to New York and will collaborate with the State Legislature to address this matter."
Waymo emphasized the importance of a cooperative approach that prioritizes transparency and public safety. "We will continue to engage constructively with the Governor, the Legislature, and officials statewide to deliver this proven mobility solution that New Yorkers are awaiting," the company added.
Governor Hochul's initial proposal was part of a broader budget plan aimed at changing a state law that requires drivers to keep one hand on the steering wheel at all times. This regulation effectively prevents robotaxi companies like Waymo from operating in New York, as these vehicles do not have a human driver present.
Even if the proposal had been approved, it would not have allowed unrestricted operations for AV companies. The plan included several restrictions, such as prohibiting for-hire robotaxi services in cities with populations exceeding one million. Additionally, AV companies would have needed state transportation commissioner approval, a $1 million fee, and proof of financial security amounting to at least $5 million. The state would only support robotaxi pilot programs in areas where local backing was evident, Butler noted.
With the proposal now inactive, New York's existing AV pilot program, which imposes stricter conditions, is expected to continue. This program allows companies to seek exemptions from the one-hand-on-the-wheel rule, enabling them to develop and test autonomous vehicles, but it does not permit the launch of commercial robotaxi services.
Currently, Waymo is permitted to test its robotaxis in New York City until March 31. The city regulators granted Waymo a permit last August, allowing the testing of up to eight Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn, provided a human safety operator is present behind the wheel.
Waymo is actively engaged in several other states and offers commercial robotaxi services in cities such as Atlanta, Austin, Miami, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The company reports delivering over 400,000 paid rides weekly, with a goal of reaching one million rides per week by year-end.