Waymo gets green light for autonomous vehicle testing in New York

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted a permit for Waymo, the self-driving technology company owned by Alphabet, to begin testing its autonomous vehicles on the city's famously complex streets. The approval, announced by Mayor Eric Adams, marks a significant milestone as Waymo becomes the first company to receive a permit for AV testing in the nation's most densely populated city.

A cautious start

Under the new permit, Waymo will be allowed to test a limited fleet of up to eight vehicles in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. The pilot program, which will run through late September, comes with a critical stipulation: each vehicle must have a trained safety specialist behind the wheel at all times. This human operator is prepared to take control if necessary, adhering to what Mayor Adams called "the nation's strictest AV safety rules."

The approval is a significant step forward for the company, which has been seeking to expand its operations beyond its current hubs in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. New York City presents a unique challenge for autonomous technology, with its dense traffic, intricate street layouts, and constant flow of pedestrians and cyclists.

Mixed reactions and future outlook

The decision has been met with both enthusiasm from city officials and skepticism from labor unions. Mayor Adams, a proponent of the move, stated, "We're a tech-friendly administration and we're always looking for innovative ways to safely move our city forward."

The city's rigorous permitting process was designed to ensure that any testing is conducted responsibly, with Waymo required to maintain close coordination with the DOT and provide regular data reporting.

However, not everyone is on board. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has voiced strong opposition, with TWU International President John Samuelsen warning that the move could lead to safety hazards and job losses. The union has also pointed to incidents in other cities where autonomous vehicles have reportedly interfered with emergency responders.

For now, the permit strictly limits Waymo to testing the technology. The company is not permitted to offer any for-hire services, as current rules by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) prohibit the use of autonomous vehicles for commercial purposes. Waymo, which has been lobbying for policy changes at the state level, will have the opportunity to apply for an extension to its pilot program after the initial testing period concludes.