Overview
- Gov. Kathy Hochul withdrew a budget amendment on Feb. 19 that would have allowed limited commercial robotaxi pilots outside New York City.
- The reversal leaves New York’s stricter AV pilot program in place, permitting testing under exemptions but barring paid robotaxi service.
- The shelved plan required sign-off from the state transportation commissioner, a $1 million fee, at least $5 million in financial security, local backing, and excluded cities over one million people.
- Waymo called the decision disappointing, said it will work with the legislature, and continues NYC testing of up to eight Jaguar I‑Pace vehicles with a human safety operator through March 31.
- The governor’s office cited lack of legislative and stakeholder support, as labor groups raised job concerns and tech advocates argued AVs can improve safety under ongoing national scrutiny.