Waymo Tests Bring NYC One Step Closer to Autonomous Taxis

Waymo’s first self-driving taxis arrived in New York City this week to begin collecting data with a human behind the wheel as the company seeks a permit for autonomous testing.

The Alphabet Inc.-owned company plans to gather data as its cars are driven manually in the city, an initial step into one of the largest ride-hailing markets in the US. Waymo applied for a testing permit from the New York City Department of Transportation in June. If approved, it plans to test its vehicles autonomously with a human safety monitor in the vehicle.