Hochul Halts NYC Robotaxi Expansion Plans

Governor walks back proposal to allow autonomous vehicle services in cities outside New York City

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has decided to put the brakes on plans to allow commercial robotaxi services like Waymo to operate in cities and towns outside of New York City. The proposal, which was floated during Hochul's State of the State address last month, faced pushback from labor unions, rideshare drivers, and transit workers who raised concerns about safety risks and potential job losses.

Why it matters

The decision is a setback for Waymo, which had planned to expand its ride-hailing service to New York this year as part of its nationwide plans to develop the autonomous vehicle industry. The move also highlights the ongoing tensions between tech companies pushing for driverless vehicles and labor groups concerned about the impact on jobs.

The details

Hochul's administration said it was walking back the robotaxi proposal after conversations with stakeholders, including the state legislature, made it clear that there was not enough support to advance the plan. Labor unions, rideshare drivers, and transit workers had raised concerns about safety risks and potential job losses from robotaxis entering the market. The Independent Drivers Guild, which represents about 80,000 for-hire drivers, recently collected over 20,000 signatures on a petition to ban autonomous vehicle testing and services in New York City and the state.

  • In August 2025, Waymo was granted a permit from the New York Department of Transportation to begin testing its vehicles with human drivers in New York City, a plan approved by former Mayor Eric Adams.
  • During her State of the State address in January 2026, Hochul floated the idea of allowing commercial robotaxi services to operate in cities and towns outside of New York City.
  • On February 21, 2026, the Hochul administration announced it was walking back the robotaxi proposal amid opposition from stakeholders.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York who decided to halt plans to allow robotaxi services to operate in cities and towns outside of New York City.

Waymo

A California-based autonomous driving company that had planned to expand its ride-hailing service to New York this year as part of its nationwide plans to develop the autonomous vehicle industry.

Bhairavi Desai

The executive director of the 28,000-member Taxi Workers Alliance, who criticized Waymo's plans to target cities outside of New York City.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City who has been critical of allowing driverless vehicles for hire to operate in the city.

Independent Drivers Guild

A group that represents about 80,000 for-hire drivers in New York and recently collected over 20,000 signatures on a petition to ban autonomous vehicle testing and services in the city and state.

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What they’re saying

“Waymo thinks by targeting Buffalo and Rochester it can divide and conquer our driver-led movement. But, once again, billionaire tech bosses underestimate workers at their own peril.”

— Bhairavi Desai, Executive Director, Taxi Workers Alliance

“We're committed to bringing our service to New York and will work with the State Legislature to advance this issue. The path forward requires a collaborative approach that prioritizes transparency and public safety.”

— Ethan Teicher, Spokesperson, Waymo

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing tensions between tech companies pushing for driverless vehicles and labor groups concerned about the impact on jobs. It also raises questions about the future of autonomous vehicle regulation and the need for a collaborative approach that prioritizes transparency, public safety, and the concerns of all stakeholders.