New legislation proposed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul aims to legalize robotaxis throughout the state, excluding New York City. This initiative was announced during her recent State of the State address.
Hochul revealed her plans to advance the autonomous vehicle pilot program in the state during her address. While specific details about the legislation and its release date remain scarce, hints can be found in a document outlining various proposals she made.
The proposed legislation includes expanding the existing AV pilot program to allow for the limited commercial deployment of autonomous passenger vehicles outside of New York City. Companies interested in offering robotaxi services will need to submit applications demonstrating local support for AV deployment and a commitment to high safety standards.
The exact definitions of “limited deployment” and “highest possible safety standards” are yet to be clarified. Additionally, the document does not specify how the state will monitor and assess a company’s safety performance, except that multiple agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Transportation will be involved.
More information on the proposed legislation is expected to be included in the governor’s executive budget proposal set for release on January 20.
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The exclusion of New York City from the proposed legislation was met with enthusiasm from Alphabet-owned Waymo. Justin Kintz, Waymo’s head of global public policy, praised Governor Hochul’s initiative as a transformative step towards enhancing New York’s transportation system.
Waymo and other companies have faced challenges entering New York due to existing regulations requiring drivers to keep a hand on the wheel at all times. The state’s AV pilot program has provided exemptions to this rule, allowing companies to test autonomous vehicles.
In New York City, Waymo obtained a permit to test its robotaxis with a human safety operator behind the wheel. However, the company still needs additional licenses from the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission to operate commercially.
Legislation introduced last year to facilitate driverless operations has stalled in the state Senate’s transportation committee. Governor Hochul’s proposal could help address this bottleneck and pave the way for autonomous vehicle innovation in the state.
