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New York reverses on plans to allow robottaxis in major blow to Waymo ]](https://apexitech.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1771552761_You-are-an-expert-SEO-content-writer-and-news-editor.jpg)
New York State Halts Robotaxi Initiative, Creating Obstacles for Waymo’s Expansion
In a significant setback for autonomous vehicle development, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has officially withdrawn a proposal aimed at introducing robotaxis across several state locations, excluding New York City. The initiative lacked support from state lawmakers, prompting the governor’s decision. This move particularly impacts Waymo LLC, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., which had invested approximately $1.8 million since 2019 in lobbying efforts to promote the rollout.
Spokesman Sean Butler remarked, “Based on conversations with stakeholders, including in the legislature, it was clear that the support was not there to advance this proposal.” However, this decision does not affect Waymo’s current testing operations in New York City, which still employ safety drivers. Resistance to autonomous vehicles has been prominent, especially among labor unions and transit workers, following the approval of Waymo’s testing permit by former Mayor Eric Adams. This permit, critical for evaluating safety protocols, is set to expire at the end of March.
Waymo expressed its disappointment but reiterated its commitment to bringing its service to New York. “The path forward requires a collaborative approach that prioritizes transparency and public safety,” said Waymo spokesman Ethan Teicher.
As Waymo accelerates its service offerings, it currently facilitates around 400,000 rides weekly in multiple cities across the U.S., including the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, Atlanta, and Miami. The company intended to extend its reach into Dallas, Denver, Nashville, Orlando, and Washington D.C. this year, making the withdrawal of the robotaxi proposal a notable hurdle in its growth strategy.
Key Points:
– Proposal for robotaxis in New York withdrawn by Governor Hochul
– Lack of legislative support cited as the reason
– Waymo has invested $1.8 million in lobbying efforts since 2019
– Ongoing testing in NYC remains unaffected, albeit under scrutiny from labor groups
– Waymo continues to lead in autonomous rides, with plans for significant expansion
