Waymo Approved to Start Autonomous Testing in NYC
2 days ago
- #New York City
- #Waymo
- #Autonomous Vehicles
- Waymo has received a permit to test autonomous vehicles in New York City, marking the first such approval by the city.
- The company can deploy up to eight Jaguar I-Pace SUVs in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn until late September, with safety operators required in the driver’s seat.
- Waymo cannot pick up passengers and must regularly report data to the NYC Department of Transportation.
- This permit is a step toward launching a robotaxi service in NYC, which would be Waymo’s most challenging market yet.
- Waymo has been preparing for NYC operations since 2021, manually mapping the city and engaging with lawmakers and organizations.
- The permit is part of NYC’s new autonomous vehicle safety program, requiring coordination with first responders and submission of detailed testing and safety plans.
- Waymo must apply for an extension to continue testing beyond late September.