• Transportation News Policy New York drops plan to legalize robotaxis in setback for Waymo The plan was to legalize limited robotaxi deployment outside of New York City. • But it was dropped after failing to garner support with the state legislature. • The plan was to legalize limited robotaxi deployment outside of New York City. • But it was dropped after failing to garner support with the state legislature. • Link Share Gift New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) dropped her proposal to allow robotaxi companies to launch commercially in cities other than New York City, citing a lack of support among state legislators,Bloombergreports today. • The move is a blow to Waymo and other robotaxi companies who saw New York, and especially New York City, as a potential goldmine.
Article Summaries:
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul has withdrawn a proposal that would have allowed robotaxi companies to operate commercially in cities outside New York City. The plan, introduced in the state’s budget, failed to gain legislative support and was dropped after discussions with lawmakers. The decision is a setback for Waymo, which has spent millions lobbying for a launch in the state and currently operates driver‑assisted vehicles in New York City under a permit that expires March 31. Waymo’s spokesperson said the company remains committed to the market and will continue to work with the legislature on future opportunities.
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