New York hits the brakes on robotaxi expansion plan

Core Insights - Waymo's efforts to introduce robotaxis in New York have faced a significant setback as Governor Kathy Hochul has withdrawn a proposal to amend vehicle and traffic laws to legalize their operation outside New York City [1][2] Regulatory Environment - The proposal aimed to change a state law requiring drivers to keep one hand on the wheel, which currently hinders robotaxi operations since no human is behind the wheel [6] - Even if the proposal had passed, it would have imposed several restrictions, including prohibiting for-hire robotaxi services in cities with populations over one million, requiring approval from the state's transportation commissioner, a $1 million fee, and proof of financial security of at least $5 million [7] Current Operations - The existing AV pilot program in New York remains in place, allowing companies to seek exemptions to the one-hand rule for testing autonomous vehicles, but not for launching commercial robotaxi services [8] - Waymo is currently testing its robotaxis in New York City under a permit that allows testing of up to eight Jaguar I-Pace vehicles with a human safety operator present [9] Company Performance - Waymo operates commercial robotaxi services in several other states, including Atlanta, Austin, Miami, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area, providing over 400,000 paid rides weekly and targeting one million weekly rides by the end of the year [10]