New York Governor Kathy Hochul withdrew a budget proposal that would have allowed autonomous taxi operators to start deploying their cars in the state.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul withdrew a budget proposal that would have allowed the deployment of autonomous taxis in New York State, reports Austin C. Jefferson in Streetsblog Empire State.
“Based on conversations with stakeholders, including in the legislature, it was clear that the support was not there to advance this proposal,” said a Hochul spokesperson.
The original proposal would have allowed companies like Waymo to begin deploying robotaxis in New York municipalities outside of New York City. “The reversal was welcome news for Uber and the ride-share industry, which is already working with Hochul to reduce car insurance premiums through a proposal that would make it harder for crash victims to be fully compensated for their injuries.”
Waymo says it will continue to engage in discussions with state officials. “Members of the business community, as well as disability advocates, also questioned the move, viewing companies like Waymo as a necessary addition to the state's transportation community and substantially safer.”
Read the full story: Gov. Hochul Just Says ‘Way-No’ to Driverless Cabs
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