New York Governor Kathy Hochul has halted a proposal that would have paved the way for commercial robotaxi services, like Alphabet’s Waymo, to operate in select areas of the state. This decision marks a significant setback for autonomous vehicle companies aiming to expand their ride-hailing operations.
“It was clear from discussions with stakeholders, including the legislature, that there wasn’t sufficient support to move this proposal forward,” stated Sean Butler, a spokesperson for the governor.
The governor’s reversal is a blow to Waymo, which had intentions to broaden its service to several new cities this year. A Waymo representative expressed disappointment with the decision, though it will not impact the company’s ongoing testing activities in New York City.
Waymo secured its initial permit from the New York Department of Transportation in August to commence testing in the city. These tests involved a small fleet of autonomous vehicles operating in Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn, with safety drivers present. The permit had been extended through March.
Governor Hochul had introduced the proposal in her State of the State address, outlining plans for the controlled deployment of commercial robotaxis, particularly outside of New York City, a market with substantial rider demand. Companies seeking to pilot their services were expected to demonstrate local support and adherence to stringent safety standards.
However, the proposal faced considerable opposition from labor unions, rideshare drivers, and transit workers. These groups voiced concerns regarding potential safety risks and the impact on employment in the taxi and rideshare sectors. The proposal also encountered potential resistance from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a vocal advocate for taxi drivers.
Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the Taxi Workers Alliance, commended Governor Hochul’s decision as “sensible.” The alliance represents a large contingent of yellow cab, Uber, and Lyft drivers in New York City. Desai suggested that Waymo’s strategy of targeting cities like Buffalo and Rochester was an attempt to divide and undermine the driver-led movement, underestimating the resolve of workers.
Waymo has ambitious expansion plans, intending to launch its driverless ride-hailing service in additional cities including Dallas, Denver, Nashville, Orlando, and Washington D.C. The company is also looking to establish its first international presence in London.
“We remain committed to bringing our service to New York and will collaborate with the State Legislature to advance this initiative,” a Waymo spokesperson commented. “The path forward necessitates a cooperative approach that prioritizes transparency and public safety.”
Currently, Waymo facilitates approximately 400,000 rides weekly across its operational areas in the U.S., encompassing the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, Atlanta, and Miami.
The autonomous vehicle landscape is increasingly competitive. Rivals such as Tesla and Amazon-owned Zoox are actively testing their driverless systems in the U.S., though widespread commercial ride-hailing services are not yet available. International players, including Baidu’s Apollo Go and WeRide from China, are expanding their global footprint at a faster pace than Waymo.
Recent safety incidents involving Waymo’s robotaxis have drawn attention, including an instance where a vehicle struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California, prompting an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Another incident in Los Angeles involved a Waymo vehicle, operated manually by a human driver, exceeding the speed limit on a residential street. These events underscore the critical importance of regulatory oversight and public trust in the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicle technology.
Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/19013.html
