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There’s a fight brewing in New York Self-driving taxis.
While robotaxis from Waymo, Zoox and May Mobility have been operating in San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Austin and other major cities for some time, New technology hasn’t convinced New York City officials yet.
Governor Kathy Hochul say this month She will introduce legislation that would allow a small group of commercial for-hire autonomous vehicles to operate outside the five boroughs. albany legislators Legislation was also introduced This would allow self-driving cars to operate on public roads elsewhere in the state.
In New York, people seem to have little interest in cars. mayor Zohran Mamdani, a staunch defender of New York City taxi drivers, They suffered severe financial hardship due to the launch of ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.
The New York Taxi Workers Alliance, a union representing yellow cab drivers that helped elect Mamdani, has expressed deep skepticism about self-driving taxi services.
“There’s the potential for massive job losses here and fundamental changes in service to New Yorkers,” said Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance. Tell cities and states last month.
Mamdani has yet to issue an official stance on self-driving taxis. But I said it before He takes “the arrival of self-driving cars” seriously and wants to ensure policy is “driver-centric.”
independent Mamdani’s office has been asked for comment.
A spokesperson for Hochul told Politico The governor “will always stand with workers and has no interest in advancing policies that put the jobs of hardworking New Yorkers at risk.” The spokesperson emphasized that the governor’s proposals are “limited” and “focused on safety.”
Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President and former New York State Senator, introduce legislation Last year, self-driving vehicles without a license from the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission were banned from operating in New York City. The legislation never made it out of committee.
Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams introduces a test program That gave operators like Waymo permission to test a small number of self-driving taxis in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The program ends on April 1.
exist a statement Politico, “Our presence in New York City will be extremely helpful in ensuring our technology is ready for the New York of the future,” a Waymo spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that Governor Hochul’s proposal to roll out autonomous vehicles outside the five boroughs “brings Waymo one step closer to serving New Yorkers outside of New York City, and we look forward to exploring more communities across the state.”
However, Bhairavi Desai, director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, struck a different tone.
“It’s hard for me to imagine the governor signing it because the governor is going into an election year trying to position himself as a working-class, lower-middle-class candidate,” she told politics.