Waymo Robotaxi Testing Extended in NYC to 2025

Waymo Receives Permit Extension for Autonomous Vehicle Testing in New York City

Waymo has announced that its permit for testing autonomous vehicles in New York City has been extended by regulators through the year's end.

Initially issued in August, the permit allowed Waymo to conduct testing of its robotaxis within the city limits until the end of September.

Permit Details and Operational Scope

The conditions of the extended permit remain unchanged. Waymo is authorized to operate a fleet of up to eight Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.

Each vehicle will be staffed with a trained human safety operator. A Waymo representative confirmed that the permit grants exemptions from New York’s standard requirement for drivers to maintain one hand on the steering wheel at all times.

Progress Towards Robotaxi Service Launch

This permit extension indicates Waymo is making incremental progress toward potentially becoming the first autonomous vehicle (AV) company to launch a robotaxi service in the challenging urban environment of New York City.

Currently, the company provides commercial services in several cities including San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

Expansion plans include opening services to the public in Miami, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Denver, and Nashville within the coming year.

Legislative Support and Future Innovation

Assemblymember Brian Cunningham expressed encouragement regarding the continued testing. He stated that it will demonstrate the potential of this technology to enhance safety, alleviate congestion, and improve transportation accessibility for New Yorkers.

Cunningham emphasized the importance of “measured innovation” in preparing for the future while ensuring benefits for residents.

Remaining Challenges and Regulatory Hurdles

Despite this progress, Waymo still faces significant obstacles in New York City, where it has been seeking operational approval since 2021.

The current permit does not authorize Waymo to transport passengers or operate a commercial robotaxi service; separate licensing from the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) is required.

A Waymo spokesperson declined to comment on ongoing discussions regarding applications for these licenses. TechCrunch has contacted the TLC for further information on the requirements for AV companies.

The Need for a Driverless Operation Framework

Currently, New York lacks a permitting structure that allows Waymo, or any other AV company, to test or deploy robotaxis without a human safety driver present.

Legislation aimed at establishing a framework for driverless operation has been proposed, but has not yet been enacted into law.

This represents a key legislative step needed for full autonomous operation.