New York Pulls Back on Robotaxi Legislation - CleanTechnica

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has withdrawn a proposal to legalize and expand robotaxi services beyond New York City, citing insufficient legislative and stakeholder support. This decision represents a setback for companies like Waymo, which had been eager to broaden their autonomous vehicle operations across the state. Currently, Waymo is permitted to test up to eight robotaxis in Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn until March 31, but commercial robotaxi services remain prohibited statewide due to laws requiring a driver’s hand on the steering wheel. Waymo expressed disappointment but affirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with New York’s government to advance robotaxi legislation that prioritizes safety, transparency, and public trust. The article suggests that recent federal hearings in Washington, DC, may have contributed to legislative hesitancy. Without more permissive laws, New York risks falling behind other U.S. cities that are more aggressively embracing autonomous vehicle technologies. Overall, the state’s current regulatory environment limits the growth of robotaxi services despite growing public interest and demonstrated safety in