Waymo to Begin Testing Robotaxis in New York with Human Drivers Onboard

Waymo is bringing part of its robotaxi fleet to New York City for testing—but with human drivers at the wheel.

While Waymo has previously tested manually in NYC for winter weather, this will be its first major step under the city’s autonomous vehicle permit programme, introduced by Mayor Eric Adams.

"We've applied for a @NYC_DOT permit to drive autonomously with a specialist behind the wheel while we’re in the city – a key step to one day serving New Yorkers. We're also advocating for changes to state law to allow us to bring our fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the city one day," the Google-backed startup said in a social media post.

The policy requires safety drivers to be present in all vehicles.

City officials emphasize public safety as the top priority, even as some locals, particularly taxi unions, voice concerns about job losses.

The New York Taxi Workers Alliance has strongly opposed robotaxi deployment, citing threats to livelihoods.

Despite resistance, Mayor Adams maintains: “This technology is coming whether we like it or not.”

The move marks the latest expansion for the autonomous vehicle company, which already operates in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin, with additional plans for Miami, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.