Waymo Applies for NYC Testing Permit in Hopes of Eventual Launch
BloombergWednesday, June 18, 2025 at 4:00:37 PM
Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Alphabet (Google’s parent), is taking a big step toward entering the New York City market. They’ve officially applied for a permit to test their autonomous taxis there—even though NYC doesn’t yet have rules in place for commercial robotaxi services. This signals Waymo’s ambition to crack one of the toughest and most lucrative ride-hailing markets in the country.
Editor’s Note: NYC’s chaotic streets are a far cry from the sunny, structured roads of Phoenix where Waymo currently operates. If they pull this off, it could be a game-changer for urban transportation—but regulators, taxi unions, and skeptical New Yorkers won’t make it easy. The move also puts pressure on cities to figure out how (or if) they’ll accommodate driverless cars in the future.
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