New York governor paves the way for widespread robotaxi deployment, but with a significant restriction

New York Governor Proposes Robotaxi Legalization—Excluding NYC

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has announced plans to propose new legislation that would permit the operation of robotaxis throughout the state, with the notable exception of New York City.

During her State of the State address on Tuesday, Hochul revealed that this legislative effort aims to move forward with the next stage of New York’s autonomous vehicle pilot initiative.

While specifics about the forthcoming bill and its release timeline remain scarce, some insights are available in a document summarizing Hochul’s policy commitments and proposals from her address. This document suggests an expansion of the current autonomous vehicle (AV) pilot program, paving the way for “limited commercial deployment of for-hire autonomous passenger vehicles outside New York City.”

According to the document, companies interested in launching robotaxi services will be required to submit applications that show both community backing for AV operations and compliance with rigorous safety protocols.

However, the definitions of “limited deployment” and “highest possible safety standards” are not clarified. The document also lacks details on how the state will assess or monitor the safety performance of these companies, aside from noting that oversight will involve several agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, and New York State Police.

The governor’s office indicated that further information will be provided in the executive budget proposal, scheduled for release on January 20.

Industry Response and Waymo’s Perspective

The announcement has already drawn positive reactions from industry leaders. Justin Kintz, head of global public policy at Waymo, described the governor’s proposal as a pivotal step for New York’s transportation landscape. In a statement, Kintz highlighted the potential to combine New York’s investments in safer streets and innovative traffic management with Waymo’s proven autonomous technology, envisioning a safer and more accessible future for residents. He also expressed Waymo’s readiness to collaborate with state leaders to bring new infrastructure, jobs, and investment to New York.

Challenges for Robotaxi Operators in New York

Companies like Waymo have long sought to operate in New York, but progress has been slow. Existing state law requires drivers to keep at least one hand on the steering wheel, a regulation incompatible with fully autonomous vehicles that may not have a human driver—or even a steering wheel. The state’s AV pilot program has offered exemptions to this rule, allowing for the development and testing of self-driving vehicles under certain conditions.

Despite these allowances, significant barriers remain, especially within New York City. Last August, city officials granted Waymo a permit to test its robotaxis in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, but only with a human safety operator present. This permit, which covers up to eight Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, has been extended until March 31. However, Waymo is still prohibited from transporting passengers or running a commercial robotaxi service without additional licenses from the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission.

Although legislation was introduced last year to establish a regulatory framework for driverless taxis, it has stalled in the state Senate’s transportation committee. The governor’s new proposal could help break this legislative deadlock and advance the adoption of autonomous vehicles in New York.

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