Waymo Begins First-Ever Autonomous Vehicle Testing in New York City Streets

• New York City has authorized Waymo to operate a small fleet of autonomous vehicles in parts of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn through September 2025.
• Each vehicle must have a trained specialist in the driver’s seat and comply with the city’s comprehensive AV safety program.

Mayor Eric Adams, together with the city’s transportation commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, confirmed that Waymo has been cleared to begin testing driverless technology in New York for the first time. The permit covers as many as eight vehicles, limited to streets in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, and runs until late September 2025.

“We’re a tech-friendly administration and we’re always looking for innovative ways to safely move our city forward,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City is proud to welcome Waymo to test this new technology in Manhattan and Brooklyn, as we know this testing is only the first step in moving our city further into the 21st century. As we continue to implement responsible innovation, we will always prioritize street safety.”

The pilot is governed by New York City’s AV testing framework, introduced last year to establish strict safety, cybersecurity, and reporting standards. Every vehicle must include a trained AV specialist in the driver’s seat at all times, with ongoing coordination and data reporting required by DOT.

This approval does not allow commercial or for-hire services. Waymo must adhere to additional rules from the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission before pursuing any service model involving passengers.

🌀 Tom’s Take:

This is a big step for Waymo and for NYC, which sees millions of people in Manhattan every year and is one of the most congested areas in America. A win in this city would be a major milestone for the company and for AVs in general.

Source: NYC Mayor’s Office