Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Alphabet (Google's parent company), has been granted the first-ever permit to test autonomous vehicles in New York City. The pilot program allows Waymo to operate a fleet of up to eight vehicles in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.
Here's what you need to know about this development:
* Safety Drivers are Required: For this initial testing phase, a "trained safety driver" must be behind the wheel at all times, ready to take control if needed.
* Pilot Program Details: The permit is valid until late September, with the possibility of an extension. Waymo is required to regularly report data to the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT).
* NYC's Strict Regulations: New York City and New York State have strict regulations regarding autonomous vehicles. The city has established its own permitting process and safety guidelines for testing.
* Future Goals: Waymo's ultimate goal is to bring its autonomous ride-hailing service to New York City. However, this would require changes to New York state law, which currently requires a licensed driver to be present in the vehicle, and a change in the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission's rules, which prohibit autonomous vehicles for for-hire service.
* Union Concerns: The move has met with resistance from some unions, who have raised concerns about street safety, emergency access, and the potential for job losses in the future.
This pilot program is a significant step for self-driving technology in a major, complex urban environment like New York City.
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