Waymo to Operate Robotaxis in New York City
Waymo plans to operate a fleet of autonomous robotaxis in parts of Brookyln and Manhattan. Photo by Austin Weber
NEW YORK—After successfully operating in a handful of cities west of the Mississippi River, Waymo is expanding its autonomous taxi service to parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. However, during a pilot testing period, the vehicles will only be allowed to operate in America’s most complex urban environment with a “trained AV specialist” behind the wheel.
“We’re a tech-friendly administration and we’re always looking for innovative ways to safely move our city forward,” says Mayor Eric Adams. “New York City is proud to welcome Waymo to test this new technology, as we know this testing is only the first step in moving our city further into the 21st century. As we continue to implement responsible innovation, we will always prioritize street safety.”
“With over 10 million rides completed in five major U.S. cities and a strong safety record, we’re proud to be working with leaders to lay the groundwork to bring this life saving technology to New Yorkers one day, beginning with receiving the first-ever permit issued in the city to drive autonomously,” adds Annabel Chang, head of U.S. state and local public policy at Waymo. “We believe it is essential for companies to collaborate directly with cities on the rollout of autonomous technology and are pleased to have reached this next step in New York City.”
Waymo’s robotaxis currently operate in Austin, TX; Los Angeles; Phoenix; and San Francisco. Next year, the company plans to expand to Atlanta, Miami and Washington. Waymo’s fleet of electric Jaguar SUVs are retrofitted with self-driving technology at a facility in Mesa, AZ, operated by Magna International Inc.
Looking for quick answers on assembly and manufacturing topics? Try Ask ASM, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ASM
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
