Waymo plans self-driving vehicle test in NYC, eyes expansion
Share this @internewscast.com

Ride-hailing pioneer Waymo said it aims to bring a fleet of autonomous vehicles to New York City beginning next month.

Waymo, the company under Google parent Alphabet, announced on Wednesday that it has submitted a permit application with the city’s Department of Transportation. The goal is to test a “small fleet” of self-driving cars in Manhattan, each with a trained specialist onboard to monitor operations.

“This is not an expansion, but we intend to eventually introduce our fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the city,” Waymo said in a statement.

The company is advocating for a broader revision in New York state law, which would permit the operation of fully driverless vehicles without any human supervision inside the car.

It previously drove some of its vehicles through the densely-populated city for a few months in 2021, but these were fully operated by human drivers and used to map city streets.

Waymo currently operates 1,500 fully-electric, autonomous cars across San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Austin.

But New York City comes with its own unique set of challenges – like jaywalkers, cyclists who veer out of bike lanes, horse-drawn carriages, frequent construction work and zig-zagging taxi cabs.

It plans to drive vehicles manually throughout Manhattan, like it did in 2021, as it waits for permit approval.

The NYC Department of Transportation and Governor Kathy Hochul’s office did not immediately respond to The Post’s requests for comment.

Waymo has grown massively since its creation in 2009 as Google’s Self-Driving Car Project.

Now, it provides more than 250,000 fully autonomous paid trips each week across major US cities.

The service claims to make “roads safer” with fewer injury-causing crashes compared to an average human driver.

But operating vehicles without human drivers is not without its complications.

Most recently, Waymo was forced to halt its self-driving service in downtown Los Angeles after five of its vehicles were set ablaze during volatile anti-ICE protests.

Earlier in the year, it recalled nearly its entire fleet over a software glitch that could make the vehicles more likely to crash into chains, gates and other roadway barriers.

The vehicles have enraged California residents with incessant beeping, “trapped” passengers inside while screeching to a stop in the middle of a highway and been involved in nearly 20 crashes.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Public hearing held in Pilsen on interactions between Chicago police officers, federal immigration agents

Pilsen Hosts Public Hearing on Chicago Police and Federal Immigration Agents’ Interactions

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Thursday, a public forum was held to discuss…
Crane removes Hampton Inn By Hilton sign from Minnesota hotel that allegedly denied service to DHS, ICE agents

Controversy Unfolds as Hampton Inn By Hilton Sign Removed After Alleged Service Denial to DHS and ICE Agents in Minnesota

On Thursday, photos surfaced showing a crane taking down the sign of…
a bear struggles to leave small crawl space under home

Massive 550-Pound Bear Finally Relocated from California Home After Ingenious Strategy Ends Month-Long Standoff

A 550-pound bear, which had taken up residence beneath a California man’s…
Miami heading home for shot at national title after beating Ole Miss in Fiesta Bowl

Miami Hurricanes Secure Fiesta Bowl Victory Over Ole Miss, Advance to National Championship

By JOHN MARSHALL GLENDALE — In a thrilling finish, Carson Beck dashed…
Prosecutors blast Mangione’s ‘misleading’ bid to force Bondi off case with death penalty at stake

Controversy Unfolds: Prosecutors Challenge Mangione’s Attempt to Remove Bondi in High-Stakes Death Penalty Case

Federal prosecutors have dismissed as “meritless” the claims made by Luigi Mangione’s…
Minneapolis ICE shooting agitators set up camp, barricade roads as schools, businesses close in city on edge

Minneapolis ICE Shooting Protesters Establish Encampment, Block Roads Amid Citywide School and Business Closures

ICE-involved shooting prompts mass protests Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams and acting…
Two wounded in Portland shooting involving federal agents after DHS says vehicle 'weaponized' against them

Portland Shooting: Two Injured After Vehicle Incident with Federal Agents

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported an incident involving a…
Report: Florida is no longer the lightning capital of the US

Striking News: Florida Dethroned as America’s Lightning Capital

In an unexpected twist of meteorological fate, Florida, once synonymous with electrifying…
Chicago-area car owner unable to get extended warranty from Hyundai for peeling paint problem

Hyundai’s Paint Problem: Chicago Car Owners Struggle for Warranty Coverage

CHICAGO (WLS) — Numerous car owners in the Chicago area are voicing…
Directors Guild of America announces film and television nominees for 78th DGA Awards

Unveiling Excellence: Discover the 78th DGA Awards Nominees for Film & Television

LOS ANGELES — The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has revealed its…
Carson Beck's late heroics propel Miami to CFP title game

Carson Beck’s Last-Minute Heroics Secure Miami’s Spot in CFP Title Game

Miami is set to compete for the national championship title. In a…
Chicago Bears fans gearing up for Green Bay Packers playoff matchup at Soldier Field

Excitement Builds as Chicago Bears Prepare to Face Green Bay Packers in Key Playoff Showdown at Soldier Field

CHICAGO (WLS) — Enthusiastic Chicago Bears supporters are filled with anticipation as…