Getting AVs on the road can mean navigating a complex regulatory environment, but governments are already testing them across the country. Now, the U.S. city with the highest population density is joining the trend.
The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted a permit to Waymo, an autonomous driving technology company that is a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, to test its AVs in parts of Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn. The pilot will entail testing of up to eight AVs through late September. After this initial pilot period, Waymo may apply for an extension.
Some have urged the city to take a cautious approach to AV adoption, and it seems officials have heeded the calls. Both NYC and the state of New York have strict regulations on AVs.
Per New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the endeavor requires a trained AV specialist be sitting behind the wheel. This specialist must be a person with a valid driver’s license who is trained in the safe operation of the test vehicle and prepared to take control when necessary, to ensure the vehicle is operated safely and lawfully.
The NYC DOT oversees the testing of AVs on streets and highways within the city through its AV testing permit program. Through this initiative, DOT works with any applicants who want to test AVs in the city to understand the AV technology’s competencies, review the scope of any proposed testing plan, review their test vehicle operator training program, and discuss the company’s approach to safety.
As part of this permit, Waymo is required to work closely with NYC DOT, through regular meetings and data reporting. The company must certify that it is meeting industry best practices for cybersecurity.
“[DOT's safety] requirements will help ensure that the development of this technology is focused, first and foremost, on the safety of everyone who shares our busy city streets,” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement.
Waymo received permits from both the city DOT and the state DMV to complete this testing.
“The lessons learned here will help guide how we integrate autonomous technology statewide, which will help ensure it delivers real benefits in transportation, equity, and economic opportunity,” Assemblymember Brian Cunningham said in a statement.
Cunningham was a co-sponsor last year of state Assembly Bill A539B which, passed, would have allowed autonomous vehicles in the state to operate without a human driver present if certain conditions are met. The bill failed to leave committee, but similar legislation is being considered now: Assembly Bill A4901A.
Waymo has completed more than 10 million rides in five major U.S. cities including Phoenix and Los Angeles, Annabel Chang, its head of U.S. state and local public policy, said in a statement, underlining the importance of private businesses working with cities to facilitate these rollouts.
