Waymo will deploy eight robotaxis for testing in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn beginning in September, with a trained specialist required behind the wheel by state law. The New York City Department of Transportation issued Waymo its first-ever testing permit, describing the rollout as a cautious but important step. The pilot runs through late September and could be extended if deemed safe by city officials and Waymo. Waymo has recorded over 10 million rides across five U.S. cities and recently expanded to San Francisco and Austin, targeting New York's complex streets as a demanding proving ground.
Beginning in September, Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company, will put its self-driving cars on the streets of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. Before you panic about an empty driver's seat whizzing down Flatbush, rest assured: State law requires a trained specialist behind the wheel at all times. So yes, there will still be a human gripping the steering wheel while the car quietly does most of the thinking.
The New York City Department of Transportation issued Waymo its first-ever permit to begin testing, calling it a cautious but important step into the future. For now, just eight vehicles will roll out, but if all goes well, that number could grow. The program runs through late September, with the chance of extension if city officials and Waymo deem the experiment safe enough.
Mayor Eric Adams, never one to shy away from a flashy tech debut, framed the pilot as a win for progress: "New York City is proud to welcome Waymo to test this new technology in Manhattan and Brooklyn, as we know this testing is only the first step in moving our city further into the 21st century." In his words, the city wants to be on the map for innovation, not just pastrami sandwiches and Broadway marquees.
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