NYC Taxi Drivers Demand Governor Hochul Halt Waymo's Robotaxi Rollout: 'Robots Cannot Replace Human Instinct'

Cab drivers in New York City are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to block Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo Robotaxis from testing in the city, according to the New York Daily News. NYSFTD President Steven Rivera said Robotaxis threaten NYC cab drivers’ livelihoods, stressing that machines cannot replace human instinct, compassion, or accountability. A spokesperson for Hochul said safety remains the state’s priority, noting that testing will proceed with oversight. Waymo recently secured a permit to operate in NYC with safety drivers on board. Tesla recently posted job listings for robotaxi operators in New York, and Uber reported that riders in Atlanta are increasingly choosing autonomous Waymo rides over human drivers.