We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience, personalize content, customize advertisements, and analyze website traffic. For these reasons, we may share your site usage data with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners. By clicking ”Accept,” you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy. You can change your cookie settings at any time by clicking “Preferences.”

TechDogs - "Waymo Faces Delays In Bringing Robotaxis Across New York!"

Manufacturing Technology

Waymo Faces Delays In Bringing Robotaxis Across New York!

By Manali Kekade

Updated on Fri, Feb 20, 2026

Overall Rating
Autonomous vehicles have been steadily rolling into major U.S. cities, promising safer roads and a glimpse into a driverless future. Yet, as companies push to expand, they are finding that public policy can move slower than technology. In New York, that gap just became clear.

 

TL;DR

 
  • New York State withdrew a proposal to expand robotaxis.
  • Waymo’s New York plans face another delay.
  • The company is completing 400,000+ paid rides weekly in other major U.S. cities.

New York State has put a hold on a proposal that could have opened the door to wider robotaxi operations across the state. Governor Kathy Hochul paused a plan to tweak vehicle and traffic laws that would have allowed driverless taxis to operate outside New York city. A spokesperson said the reason was straightforward as there just wasn’t enough support in the legislature to move it forward.
 
“Based on conversations with stakeholders, including in the legislature, it was clear that the support was not there to advance this proposal,” Butler said in an emailed statement. The decision is a setback for Waymo, which has been working for years to test and eventually roll out its robotaxis in New York. While the company didn’t hide its disappointment, it also made it clear that it isn’t backing down from its plans just yet.

“We hear from thousands of New Yorkers who have experienced Waymo in other cities and want access to it at home. “They want the safety, privacy, and comfort that riders in other major cities already enjoy. While we are disappointed by the Governor’s decision, we’re committed to bringing our service to New York and will work with the State Legislature to advance this issue,” Waymo said in a statement.

“The path forward requires a collaborative approach that prioritizes transparency and public safety. We will continue to engage constructively with the Governor, the Legislature, and officials around the state to deliver this proven mobility option that New Yorkers are waiting for,” Waymo added.
 

Topics For More Insights:


Hochul’s proposal would have modified a state law requiring drivers to keep one hand on the wheel at all times which is a rule that effectively blocks fully driverless vehicles. Even then, strict conditions were included, such as a $1 million fee, $5 million in financial security, and limits on operations in cities with more than a million residents.

For now, only limited testing under New York’s restrictive pilot program will continue with a human safety operator firmly behind the wheel.

First published on Fri, Feb 20, 2026

Manali Kekade

Manali Kekade

Tech News Correspondent, Senior Writer TechDogs

Manali Kekade is a seasoned tech news correspondent and senior writer with expertise in emerging technologies and marketing innovation. Her writing brings clarity and relevance to fast-evolving topics, making complex developments accessible to a wide audience. She pairs structured reporting with an engaging narrative style, ensuring that every story offers useful takeaways. When not writing, she explores fiction and sound design—creative outlets that inspire her storytelling lens.

Liked what you read? That’s only the tip of the tech iceberg!

Explore our vast collection of tech articles including introductory guides, product reviews, trends and more, stay up to date with the latest news, relish thought-provoking interviews and the hottest AI blogs, and tickle your funny bone with hilarious tech memes!

Plus, get access to branded insights from industry-leading global brands through informative white papers, engaging case studies, in-depth reports, enlightening videos and exciting events and webinars.

Dive into TechDogs' treasure trove today and Know Your World of technology like never before!

Disclaimer - Reference to any specific product, software or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TechDogs nor should any data or content published be relied upon. The views expressed by TechDogs' members and guests are their own and their appearance on our site does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TechDogs' Authors are those of the Authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of TechDogs or any of its officials. While we aim to provide valuable and helpful information, some content on TechDogs' site may not have been thoroughly reviewed for every detail or aspect. We encourage users to verify any information independently where necessary.

Tags:

Autonomous MobilityManufacturing Intelligence SoftwareRoboticsNew York Robotaxi Expansion Waymo Robotaxi Autonomous Vehicles In New York Kathy Hochul Robotaxi Proposal Self-Driving Car Regulations

Join The Discussion

Trending TD NewsDesk

Join Our Newsletter

Get weekly news, engaging articles, and career tips-all free!

By subscribing to our newsletter, you're cool with our terms and conditions and agree to our Privacy Policy.

Home

Hot Topic: AI

News

Articles

Branded Insights

  • Dark
  • Light