Company to Begin Testing in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Paving the Way for Potential Robotaxi Service

Waymo, a leading autonomous vehicle developer, has been granted a permit to test its self-driving cars in New York City, marking a significant milestone for the company. According to TechCrunch, Waymo plans to start testing its Jaguar I-Pace SUVs in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn immediately, with up to eight vehicles deployed in the area through late September.

The permit comes with certain conditions, including the requirement that a trained safety operator be present in the driver’s seat at all times, with at least one hand on the wheel. Additionally, Waymo is prohibited from picking up passengers, as it would need a license from the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission. The company must also regularly meet with and report data to the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT).

This permit is a crucial step towards Waymo’s goal of launching a robotaxi service in the city, which would be one of the most challenging endeavors of its kind. The company currently operates in San Francisco, Austin, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, all of which are warm-weather cities with relatively low levels of complexity compared to New York City. Waymo’s experience in these cities has been largely successful, with the company having successfully deployed its autonomous vehicles in various scenarios, including ride-hailing services and package delivery.

Waymo has been working towards this goal for years, starting with manual mapping of the city in 2021 using its Chrysler Pacifica minivans. The company applied for the permit in June and has since met with lawmakers and local organizations, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The permit was granted as part of a new autonomous vehicle safety regime launched by Mayor Eric Adams in 2024, which aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles in the city.

To obtain the permit, Waymo had to coordinate with first responders and submit a testing plan to the local DOT, along with a safety plan that documented the qualifications of the vehicle operators. The company also had to demonstrate its ability to handle complex scenarios, such as emergency vehicle responses and pedestrian interactions. Additionally, Waymo had to obtain the necessary permits from the New York state Department of Motor Vehicles, which involved providing detailed information about the company’s autonomous vehicle technology and safety protocols.

When the trial period ends in late September, Waymo will need to apply for an extension if it wants to continue testing. The company’s success in New York City could pave the way for the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles in urban areas, and it will be closely watched by industry observers and regulators.

The permit also highlights the growing importance of New York City as a hub for autonomous vehicle development and testing. Other companies, such as Cruise and Argo AI, have also been testing their autonomous vehicles in the city, and the competition for permits and regulatory approval is likely to intensify in the coming months.

In related news, TechCrunch is hosting its 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, an event that brings together top voices in tech to deliver insights and fuel startup growth. The event features heavy hitters such as Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, and Elad Gil, among others. The event is expected to provide valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the autonomous vehicle industry, and will likely attract a large audience of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.

Key Takeaways:

Waymo has been granted a permit to test its autonomous vehicles in New York City, marking a significant milestone for the company.

The permit comes with conditions, including the requirement that a trained safety operator be present in the driver’s seat at all times.

Waymo plans to start testing its Jaguar I-Pace SUVs in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn immediately, with up to eight vehicles deployed in the area through late September.

The permit is a crucial step towards Waymo’s goal of launching a robotaxi service in the city, which would be one of the most challenging endeavors of its kind.

Waymo’s experience in San Francisco, Austin, Phoenix, and Los Angeles has been largely successful, and the company is expected to bring its expertise to the New York City market.