Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving car subsidiary, has received approval from the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to commence autonomous vehicle testing within the city limits. Mayor Eric Adams announced the groundbreaking news on Friday, highlighting the initiative as New York City’s first foray into on-road autonomous vehicle testing. The program represents a significant step forward for the city’s technological advancement and its commitment to exploring innovative transportation solutions.
The initial testing phase will involve a fleet of up to eight Waymo vehicles operating within Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. This pilot program is scheduled to run until the end of September, with the possibility of an extension pending successful completion and data analysis. In compliance with New York state regulations, a trained safety driver will remain behind the wheel of each vehicle throughout the testing period, ensuring the safety and oversight of the autonomous systems.
Mayor Adams expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the city’s tech-friendly approach and its dedication to safe and innovative progress. He positioned the initiative as a crucial step toward modernizing New York City’s transportation infrastructure and positioning it at the forefront of technological innovation. This announcement follows Waymo’s permit application filed just two months prior. It signifies the culmination of years of effort by autonomous vehicle companies to gain access to the New York City market.
Waymo’s expansion into New York City is part of a larger nationwide push to broaden its autonomous vehicle services. The company has recently launched operations in Austin, Texas, expanded its presence in San Francisco, and announced plans for future deployments in Atlanta, Miami, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. The company’s CEO recently reported exceeding 10 million robotaxi trips in May, further demonstrating the growing viability and acceptance of its autonomous driving technology. As part of the permit agreement, Waymo is obligated to provide regular data reports to the DOT and maintain close collaboration with law enforcement and emergency services.
