New York drops plan to legalize robotaxis in setback for Waymo
Source: The Verge
New York Withdraws Robotaxi Legalization Proposal
A Waymo autonomous self‑driving Jaguar electric vehicle was seen in the Manhattan borough of New York City on December 13, 2025. (Photo by Charly Triballeau / AFP via Getty Images)
New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) dropped her proposal to allow robotaxi companies to launch commercially in cities other than New York City, citing a lack of support among state legislators, Bloomberg reports today. The move is a blow to Waymo and other robotaxi firms that viewed New York—and especially New York City—as a potential goldmine.
The plan, introduced by Hochul as part of the state’s budget proposal last month, would have permitted limited robotaxi deployment in cities outside the Big Apple while leaving the decision for New York City up to the mayor and City Council. With the proposal now withdrawn, the prospect of autonomous‑vehicle services expanding statewide has been put on hold.