New York hits the brakes on robotaxi expansion plan

In a significant setback for autonomous vehicle initiatives, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has decided to retract a proposal aimed at legalizing robotaxi operations beyond the borders of New York City. This move halts Waymo's ambitions to expand its robotaxi services in the state, which have been in the works for several years. Sean Butler, a spokesperson for Governor Hochul, confirmed the withdrawal to TechCrunch, stating, "Based on conversations with stakeholders, including in the legislature, it was clear that the support was not there to advance this proposal." This decision was first reported by Bloomberg. Waymo, a front-runner in the autonomous vehicle sector, expressed disappointment but remains committed to working with state officials to find a path forward. In its statement, Waymo emphasized the demand from New Yorkers who have experienced its services in other cities, highlighting their desire for the safety and convenience already enjoyed by riders in major urban areas. The company stated, "While we are disappointed by the Governor’s decision, we’re committed to bringing our service to New York and will work with the State Legislature to advance this issue." Originally, the proposal aimed to amend existing vehicle regulations that currently require drivers to maintain one hand on the wheel at all times, a stipulation that poses a barrier for fully autonomous vehicles. Even had the proposal been approved, it would not have provided unrestricted access for robotaxi companies; it included several stipulations, such as prohibiting operations in cities with populations exceeding one million and requiring extensive approvals and substantial financial guarantees. With the proposal now off the table, New York's existing autonomous vehicle pilot program, which is notably more restrictive, is expected to remain in effect. Under this program, companies may seek exemptions to the one-hand rule to facilitate the testing of autonomous vehicles, although commercial robotaxi services cannot yet be launched. Currently, Waymo is engaged in testing its robotaxi services within New York City under a permit that allows for the operation of up to eight of its Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, provided a human operator is present in the driver's seat. Waymo continues to expand its operations across other states, providing commercial services in cities such as Atlanta, Austin, and Phoenix, with a goal of reaching one million rides per week by year-end.