Mayor Adams Approves Robotaxis in NYC with the Condition that They Must Have Drivers
New York City is about to witness a new era of transportation as self-driving cars, known as robotaxis, will soon hit the streets. However, these vehicles won’t be completely driverless. Mayor Eric Adams has given the green light for several companies to deploy autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the city, but with a crucial condition – they must have human drivers behind the wheel.
The decision to allow robotaxis on New York City streets has ignited both excitement and controversy. San Francisco residents, who experienced the pilot rollout of these vehicles last year, expressed concerns about safety hazards. However, Mayor Adams believes that responsible innovation can lead to safer streets and cleaner air for the city.
Adams emphasized the importance of having strong guardrails and requirements in place for autonomous vehicles in a vibrant and energetic city like New York. During the testing phase, all robotaxis must have a human driver present in case any issues arise. These safety drivers will undergo background checks and receive appropriate training on the vehicle systems they will be testing.
To ensure the safety of New Yorkers, the city’s Department of Transportation will oversee the deployment of robotaxis. Companies seeking a permit to operate these vehicles will have to undergo a testing procedure and submit a safety plan to the DOT. The city aims to get ahead of the AV revolution and create a framework that benefits its residents.
However, not everyone is thrilled about this development. Civic activists have voiced their concerns, stating that untested technology like driverless cars poses a risk to other drivers and pedestrians. Danny Harris, executive director of the safe streets advocacy group Transportation Alternatives, strongly opposes the plan. He argues that New Yorkers should not be used as lab rats for an industry that has already caused harm to thousands of people.
San Francisco’s experience with robotaxis also adds fuel to the opposition’s arguments. The initial rollout of these vehicles obstructed buses and emergency vehicles, causing gridlock in the city. California state regulators had to intervene after a driverless car dragged a pedestrian and another vehicle hit a cyclist, resulting in injuries. Despite these incidents, Waymo, a Google-owned company, recently received approval to deploy self-driving cars in other California counties.
Waymo, one of the companies participating in New York City’s pilot testing program, commended Mayor Adams’ decision. They appreciate the city’s commitment to innovation and transportation improvements for its residents. Waymo has previously manually driven and tested their vehicles in New York City, including during winter weather conditions.
While the exact timeline for the rollout of driverless cars in New York City is unclear, Mayor Adams aims to ensure that this technology is implemented responsibly. With the requirement of human drivers and stringent safety measures, the city hopes to pave the way for a future where autonomous vehicles can coexist with New Yorkers safely and efficiently.
