New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed legislation to authorize commercial robotaxi services across the state through a new pilot program. The proposal, announced during her State of the State address, would establish a framework for companies to deploy autonomous passenger vehicles, provided they can demonstrate local support and meet high safety standards.
This move would open up significant new markets for autonomous vehicle companies, but with one major exception: the legislation explicitly excludes New York City from the program. Companies like Alphabet's Waymo, which has been lobbying in the state, have expressed strong support for the governor's proposal, viewing it as a pivotal moment for transportation in New York.