New York Governor Opens Pathway for Robotaxis ... Except in NYC - CleanTechnica

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is preparing legislation to legalize robotaxis across the state of New York, with the notable exception of New York City. While the proposal’s language remains somewhat vague, it signals a significant shift in state policy that has previously hindered autonomous vehicle development, such as the requirement for drivers to keep a hand on the wheel. This move aligns New York with other states like Arizona and California, which have already established frameworks for robotaxi testing and deployment. However, New York City remains resistant to robotaxi integration due to strong opposition from the established taxi industry and regulatory bodies like the Taxi and Limousine Commission, which currently makes obtaining commercial robotaxi licenses difficult. Waymo, a leading autonomous vehicle company, has expressed optimism about the new legislation, highlighting the potential for safer, more accessible transportation and economic benefits statewide. Despite the progress at the state level, the entrenched taxi lobby in NYC continues to block robotaxi expansion within the city limits.