Waymo Seeks Permit for Autonomous Vehicle Operations in Manhattan
Waymo applies for a permit to operate autonomous vehicles in Manhattan, aiming for a self-driving service pending law changes, with testing set to begin next month.
Waymo has set its robotaxi sights on NYC
TechCrunch
Overview
- Waymo is the first autonomous vehicle company to apply for a permit to operate in Manhattan, New York City, with a trained specialist present.
- The company plans to launch a self-driving service for paid rides, contingent on changes to current New York state law.
- Testing of autonomous cars on city streets is scheduled to begin next month under human supervision, as Waymo prepares for future operations.
- Waymo currently offers over 250,000 driverless rides weekly in various cities and aims to expand to New York, Atlanta, Washington, DC, and Miami.
- New York law requires human supervision for vehicle operation, complicating Waymo's plans, as the company advocates for legislative changes to enable driverless rides.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources present Waymo's advancements in autonomous vehicle technology with a focus on regulatory challenges and operational expansions. They emphasize the company's pioneering role while highlighting legal constraints and the need for advocacy. The tone reflects cautious optimism, balancing innovation with the complexities of urban implementation and public safety concerns.
"Waymo’s intention to have a visible presence in New York City, the nation’s largest city, comes at a crucial time for robotaxis, with the Trump administration loosening some regulations and Elon Musk’s Tesla planning to start a robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, in the coming days."
NBC News"Waymo's expansion extends to its manufacturing facilities, too, as the company on Monday said it's opening a new, 239,000-square-foot autonomous vehicle factory in the Phoenix area."
CNET"Waymo is pressing forward and said it’s advocating for a change in state law that would allow for operating a vehicle with no human behind the wheel."
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FAQ
Waymo has applied for a permit from the New York City Department of Transportation to test autonomous vehicles in Manhattan with a human safety specialist behind the wheel.
New York state law requires that a human driver be present behind the wheel during vehicle operation, prohibiting fully driverless operation for now. This law mandates that someone must be able to take control at all times.
Waymo aims to launch a paid, fully autonomous ride-hailing service in New York City, but this is contingent on changes to the current state law that now require human supervision in vehicles.
Testing of Waymo’s autonomous vehicles in Manhattan with a human safety operator behind the wheel is scheduled to begin next month.
Waymo is building community trust by collaborating with organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD NY), agencies supporting blind and developmentally disabled people, and Bronx Community College to train future autonomous vehicle technicians.
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