New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to introduce legislation that would legalize robotaxis throughout the state, with the exception of New York City. The announcement came during Hochul's State of the State address on Tuesday, outlining the next phase of the state's autonomous vehicle pilot program.
Details regarding the proposed legislation remain limited, but a document summarizing Hochul's proposals offers some insight. The plan includes expanding the existing autonomous vehicle pilot program to allow for the "limited deployment of commercial for-hire autonomous passenger vehicles outside New York City."
Companies seeking to operate commercial robotaxi services will be required to submit applications demonstrating local support for autonomous vehicle deployment and adherence to stringent safety standards, according to the document. The specifics of "limited deployment" and "highest possible safety standards" were not defined. The state also did not clarify how it would monitor or evaluate a company's safety record, aside from indicating that multiple agencies would be involved.
The move signals a significant step toward broader adoption of autonomous vehicle technology in New York. The exclusion of New York City, however, highlights the unique challenges of deploying robotaxis in densely populated urban environments.
The governor's office has not yet provided a timeline for when the legislation will be formally introduced. The current autonomous vehicle pilot program has been operating for several years, allowing for testing and data collection on autonomous vehicle performance in various environments across the state. The proposed legislation aims to build upon this foundation and create a framework for commercial deployment.
Industry experts suggest that the legislation could attract autonomous vehicle companies to New York, fostering innovation and potentially creating new jobs in the sector. However, concerns remain regarding public safety, regulatory oversight, and the potential impact on traditional taxi services. The development of clear safety standards and public engagement strategies will be crucial to ensuring the successful integration of robotaxis into New York's transportation landscape.
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