New York governor clears path for robotaxis everywhere, with one notable exception | TechCrunch

"New York Governor Kathy Hochul plans to introduce legislation that would effectively legalize robotaxis in the state - except for its most populous metropolis: New York City. Hochul, who made the comments Tuesday during her State of the State address, said the legislation would advance the next phase of the state's autonomous vehicle pilot program."

"Among them is language to expand the state's existing AV pilot program to allow for "the limited deployment of commercial for-hire autonomous passenger vehicles outside New York City." The document goes on to say companies that want to operate robotaxi services commercially will have to submit applications that "demonstrate local support for AV deployment and adherence to the highest possible safety standards." It's not clear what "limited deployment" or "highest possible safety standards" mean. Nor does the document outline how the state will track or make judgments on a company's safety record, except that multiple agencies will be involved, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, and New York State Police."

"Still, the remarks were enough of an opening to make Alphabet-owned Waymo cheer. "Governor Hochul's proposal to legalize fully autonomous vehicles is a transformative moment for New York's transportation system," Justin Kintz, Waymo's head of global public policy, said in an emailed statement. "With the Governor's leadership, New York has the opportunity to pair its investments in slower speeds, better traffic enforcement, and first-in-the-nation congestion"

State plans legislation to legalize commercial robotaxis outside New York City by expanding the autonomous vehicle pilot program. Companies would apply to operate for-hire autonomous passenger vehicles commercially and must demonstrate local support and meet undefined "highest possible safety standards." Multiple agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, and New York State Police, are named to evaluate applications and safety records. Definitions for "limited deployment," safety metrics, and tracking methods remain unspecified. Additional specifics are expected in the state's executive budget proposal on January 20. Some industry stakeholders expressed support for the proposal.

Read at TechCrunch