By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Friday announced that the City Department of Transportation has granted Waymo, autonomous driving technology company, its first-ever permit to begin testing a limited number of autonomous vehicles in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn under the nation’s strictest AV safety rules, including a requirement to have a trained AV-specialist behind the wheel at all times.
Photo Courtesy of Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Adams has characterized his administration as tech friendly.
As part of their permit to operate within the Big Apple, Waymo is required to coordinate closely with DOT through regular meetings and data reporting and Waymo must certify that they are adhering to the industry’s best practices related to cybersecurity. In addition to receiving DOT approval, Waymo has also obtained necessary permits from the State Department of Motor Vehicles. Waymo will be permitted to test up to eight autonomous vehicles in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn until late September 2025. After the pilot testing period, Waymo will have the opportunity to apply for an extension to their pilot testing period. Finally, DOT’s approval strictly relates to testing AV technology—the use of autonomous vehicles for for-hire service is currently prohibited by New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission rules, and any company providing for-hire service must comply with TLC rules, including by obtaining a TLC license.
“We’re a tech-friendly administration and we’re always looking for innovative ways to safely move our city forward,” Adams said, adding that the new permit “is only the first step in moving our city further into the 21st century.”
