Waymo Robotaxis Approved for NYC Testing Amid Opposition
Following approval from the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), Waymo is set to commence testing a limited number of its autonomous vehicles in specific parts of Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn. The testing period will extend until late September 2025, with an opportunity for extension thereafter.
This marks Waymo’s expansion into one of America’s largest cities, despite some opposition. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio expressed concerns, stating, “New York City is not the ideal place for self-driving cars.” The sentiment was echoed by Curtis Tate, Administrative Vice President of the Transport Workers Union, who cautioned that the testing could potentially eliminate numerous jobs and further enrich tech moguls.
However, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stressed that the organization’s requirements would prioritize safety for all city dwellers. Waymo is currently conducting trials in Philadelphia and has plans to roll out its autonomous vehicles in Dallas, Texas, Washington D.C., and Miami by 2026. To date, the company claims to have completed over 10 million rides in five major US cities.
Concurrently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded a 14-month investigation into a series of 22 incidents involving self-driving Waymo vehicles, including 17 collisions.
The company’s ambitious nationwide rollout in 2025 continues unabated despite the opposition, as it seeks to revolutionize urban transportation.
