Gov Kathy Hochul withdraws robotaxi expansion proposal for New York

New York has just stopped expanding robotics beyond New York City.

Governor Kathy Hochul It withdrew its proposal that would have allowed commercial robotaxi services in small towns across the state. This means that places outside of New York City won’t see driverless ride services anytime soon.

If you live in Buffalo, Rochester, or Albany, that future has been pushed even further. Meanwhile, one major player is still planning to move forward within the city.

Sign up for my free CyberGuy report
Get the best tech tips, breaking security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – for free when you join my site CYBERGUY.COM Newsletter.

New York has paused plans to expand its robotaxi service beyond New York City, slowing the statewide rollout. (AP Photo/Terry Chia, File)

Waymo is moving forward despite pausing its robotaxi expansion in New York

WaymoAlphabet’s self-driving arm, It received its first permit last year to test autonomous vehicles in New York City. However, the permit requires a trained professional behind the wheel. Your testing permit is still valid. So, while statewide expansion is off the table at the moment, Waymo’s testing program in New York City is continuing. The company already offers paid, driverless rides in parts of:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• Los Angeles
• Phoenix
• Austin
• Atlanta

According to company data and State regulators In Arizona and California, Waymo has logged millions of fully self-driving miles. Arizona transportation officials have reported lower accident rates per mile compared to human drivers in certain operational areas. The DMV and California Public Utilities Commission continue to monitor safety performance and report incidents.

The company says it’s hearing from thousands of New Yorkers who have ridden Waymo cars elsewhere and want the service at home. However, expansion outside the city now faces a political hurdle.

Uber unveils a new robotaxi without a driver behind the wheel

Waymo can continue testing self-driving vehicles in New York City with a trained safety professional behind the wheel. (Waymo)

Why did Hochul withdraw its expansion plan in New York City?

The governor’s office said support was not present in the state Legislature after conversations with stakeholders. That language is important. Rules for self-driving vehicles include state legislators, labor groups, local officials, safety advocates, and insurance regulators. The expansion of robo-taxi services in smaller cities is likely to raise concerns about:

• Safety monitoring
• Liability rules
• Impact of local function
• Emergency response coordination

The deployment of autonomous vehicles continues to be subject to intense scrutiny nationwide. After a high-profile incident involving Cruz in San Francisco in 2023, regulators tightened oversight. Cruz later suspended operations, and GM It scaled back its robotics ambitions. Waymo has not recorded a similar major infection event in public reports. This distinction has helped expand into states such as Arizona and Texas. However, public confidence remains fragile.

What does this mean for you?

You’re probably thinking: “I don’t live in New York. Why should I care?” Because state decisions like these often turn outward. If New York, one of the nation’s largest transportation markets, slows expansion outside its largest cities, other states may take notice. Lawmakers across the country are watching how New York handles new technology.

Here’s what this pause indicates:

Robotaxi rollouts will still be uneven

Some cities will embrace them quickly. Others will wait for more data and clearer rules.

Politics is as important as technology

Even if autonomous vehicles prove safer per mile in controlled environments, public policy will decide where they operate.

Your city could be next in line

As companies seek to expand into major metros, discussions about safety, functional responsibility and infrastructure will follow. If you rely on ride-hailing services, autonomous vehicles could eventually reduce costs and increase availability. On the other hand, local drivers and labor groups may resist vigorously. This tension will continue city after city.

Atlanta is testing a driverless transit loop

State lawmakers across the country are watching as New York considers safety, regulation and the future of driverless rides. (Waymo)

The bigger national picture of robotaxi expansion

Federal agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continue to collect crash data and investigate the performance of autonomous vehicles. However, states control many of the rules that govern business operations. This means that America may not get a unified automated taxi system. Instead, it may look like a mixture. Phoenix may move quickly. Austin may expand aggressively. Buffalo could wait.

Meanwhile, companies like Waymo continue to improve software using real mileage and sensor data. The more data they collect, the stronger their safety case becomes. However, public perception often hinges on a single viral incident. Technology is developing rapidly. The organization moves more slowly.

Take my quiz: How secure is your online security?

Do you think your devices and data are really protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get personalized analysis of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my test here: Cyberguy.com.

Key takeaways for Kurt

New York’s decision is not a death blow to robotaxis. It is a reminder that innovation must pass a political test. Waymo still plans to move forward in New York City. Small towns across the state will be waiting. Other countries will be watching. The question is no longer whether autonomous vehicles will expand. It’s how fast and where.

If self-driving cars reduce crashes and improve pedestrian safety, should lawmakers speed up their approval process? Or should they move cautiously and protect existing systems until all risks are understood? What do you want your city to do? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Click here to download the FOX NEWS app

Sign up for my free CyberGuy report
Get the best tech tips, breaking security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – for free when you join my site CYBERGUY.COM Newsletter.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Related article