New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans Tuesday to introduce legislation that would effectively legalize robotaxis throughout the state, with the notable exception of New York City. The proposed legislation aims to advance the next phase of the state's autonomous vehicle pilot program, according to Hochul's State of the State address.
Details regarding the specific content of the legislation and its release timeline remain scarce. However, a document outlining proposals from Hochul's address hints at the expansion of the existing autonomous vehicle pilot program. This expansion would allow for the "limited deployment" of commercial, for-hire autonomous passenger vehicles outside of 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 the "highest possible safety standards," according to the document. The specifics of what constitutes "limited deployment" or the "highest possible safety standards" were not defined. The document also lacked details on how the state would track or evaluate a company's safety record, though it indicated that multiple agencies would be involved.
The move signals a potential shift in New York's approach to autonomous vehicles, potentially opening the door for companies like Waymo, Cruise, and others to expand their operations within the state. The exclusion of New York City, however, presents a significant limitation, given the city's density and status as a major transportation hub. Industry analysts suggest that the exclusion may stem from concerns about congestion, safety, and the complex regulatory environment within the city.
The current status of the legislation is pending its formal introduction in the state legislature. The timeline for its consideration and potential passage remains uncertain. The governor's office has not yet released further details regarding the specific criteria for safety standards or the application process for companies seeking to deploy robotaxis.
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