Waymo Cleared to Test Self-Driving Cars in New York City
▼ Summary
– Waymo has received the first permit to test autonomous vehicles in New York City and will begin testing immediately.
– The permit allows up to eight Jaguar I-PACE SUVs to operate in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn until late September, with a safety operator required in the driver’s seat.
– Testing is limited to non-passenger use, and Waymo must regularly report data to the city’s Department of Transportation.
– This step brings Waymo closer to launching a robotaxi service in New York, which would be its most challenging market to date.
– The permit is part of a new autonomous vehicle safety program launched by Mayor Eric Adams in 2024, and Waymo must apply for an extension after September to continue testing.
Waymo has secured approval to begin testing its self-driving vehicles in New York City, marking a significant milestone as the first company to receive such authorization from the city. The autonomous vehicle firm announced it will start testing operations immediately under strict regulatory conditions.
The permit allows Waymo to deploy up to eight of its Jaguar I-Pace SUVs across Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn through the end of September. A trained safety operator must remain in the driver’s seat at all times with at least one hand on the steering wheel. The testing phase does not include passenger pickups, as that would require a separate license from the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. Waymo is also required to regularly meet with and provide data to the city’s Department of Transportation.
This development brings the company closer to its goal of launching a robotaxi service in one of the most complex urban environments in the world. While Waymo already operates in San Francisco, Austin, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, New York City presents unique challenges due to its dense traffic, unpredictable pedestrian activity, and extreme weather conditions, factors less prevalent in its current warm-weather markets.
Waymo has been preparing for this moment since 2021, when it began manually mapping New York City streets using Chrysler Pacifica minivans. The approval process was far from automatic; the company applied in June and spent months engaging with lawmakers and advocacy groups, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
The permit falls under a new autonomous vehicle safety framework introduced by Mayor Eric Adams earlier this year. To qualify, Waymo had to collaborate with first responders, submit detailed testing and safety plans to the DOT, and demonstrate the qualifications of its vehicle operators. The company also secured all necessary permits from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
This initial testing period is set to conclude in late September. If Waymo wishes to continue its operations beyond that date, it will need to apply for an extension.
(Source: TechCrunch)
