Overview

• New York City approved Waymo to operate up to eight vehicles through late September, with the option to apply for an extension.
• A trained autonomous-vehicle specialist must sit in the driver’s seat and be ready to take control under state law and city permit terms.
• The permit requires regular meetings with the DOT, safety and operations reporting, and close coordination with law enforcement and emergency services.
• The authorization covers testing only, as TLC rules prohibit autonomous vehicles from providing for‑hire rides and a separate license would be required for any commercial service.
• Labor groups including the Transport Workers Union and Independent Drivers Guild criticized the pilot over safety and job concerns, while MADD voiced cautious support for potential crash‑reduction benefits.