Waymo Begins Autonomous Vehicle Testing in New York City
Waymo has received approval to test self-driving cars in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, marking the first such permit in New York City.
Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous vehicle division, has been granted a permit to test self-driving cars in New York City, marking the city's first approval for such trials. The company is authorized to deploy up to eight vehicles in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn through late September. Each vehicle will have a trained safety operator behind the wheel, as required by state law.
Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the city's commitment to innovation while prioritizing safety: "We're a tech-friendly administration and we're always looking for innovative ways to safely move our city forward."
Under the pilot program, Waymo must coordinate closely with the Department of Transportation, submit regular data reports, and adhere to industry best practices related to cybersecurity.
This initiative follows Waymo's existing operations in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Austin, where the company has completed over 10 million rides.
The testing period is set to conclude in late September, after which Waymo may apply for an extension to continue its trials in New York City.