Waymo Self-Driving Taxis Get Green Light in NYC Pilot Program – Here’s What You Need to Know

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New York City has officially given Waymo, the self-driving taxi firm owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, the go-ahead to begin testing its autonomous vehicles on some of the busiest streets in America.

The Department of Transportation issued a permit on Friday allowing Waymo to operate eight self-driving cars in Manhattan (south of Central Park) and parts of Downtown Brooklyn. The vehicles will have safety drivers behind the wheel and, for now, will not be permitted to pick up passengers. The pilot program runs through September, with the option to renew.

Waymo Expands Beyond the West Coast

Waymo is already a leader in autonomous ride-hailing, with operations in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and partnerships with Uber in Austin. The company says it provides 250,000 paid rides per week and plans to expand to Miami and Washington, D.C. next year.

Mayor Eric Adams welcomed the move, calling it a “first step in moving our city further into the 21st century.”

Supporters vs. Critics

Supporters argue that self-driving cars could improve safety compared to human drivers. Waymo cites 10 million completed rides across U.S. cities with what it describes as a strong safety record.

But critics, including Taxi Workers Alliance President Bhairavi Desai, warn that the program is “a free promotion for big tech” and could threaten jobs, consumers, and the environment. Many recall how Uber disrupted the yellow cab industry, sending medallion values plummeting from $1 million to a fraction of that.

Luddite State Sen. Bray Hoylman-Sigal expressed skepticism, questioning whether driverless taxis will actually benefit New Yorkers. He has proposed legislation requiring the Taxi and Limousine Commission to issue special licenses and establish rules for autonomous vehicles.

What’s Next for NYC?

While the city has stressed that autonomous cars cannot block traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, or emergency services, the rollout sparks larger questions:

• Will NYC residents embrace driverless taxis?

• How will fares compare to traditional rideshares?

• Who is responsible in the event of an accident?

For now, the program remains a test phase, but its outcome could shape the future of urban transportation in New York City.

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