Big news for tech enthusiasts and city dwellers! Waymo, the autonomous vehicle pioneer and a division of Alphabet (Google’s parent company), has just snagged its first-ever permit to test self-driving cars in the bustling streets of New York City.

This monumental step comes as the competition in the robotaxi sector heats up. Effective immediately, Waymo can operate up to eight autonomous vehicles in select areas of Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn. However, it's not a free-for-all: strict safety protocols are in place, including the rule that a trained specialist must be behind the wheel at all times.

What’s the buzz around this? Waymo brings with it a wealth of experience, having successfully completed over 10 million rides across five major U.S. cities like San Francisco and Phoenix. New York City Mayor Eric Adams hailed this development as a leap into the future, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to embracing technology while ensuring public safety is non-negotiable.

Annabel Chang, Waymo's head of U.S. state and local public policy, voiced the company's dedication to enhancing traffic safety by reducing accidents caused by human error. "We’re excited to partner with city leaders to pave the way for this transformative technology in New York," she commented.

Up until now, Waymo has been gathering manual driving data in NYC since returning in July, but this new permit marks a significant shift toward fully autonomous vehicle operations.

While residents may still need to wait for driverless rides in the city, Waymo has already made them a reality in Phoenix and San Francisco, operating seamlessly like ride-sharing apps. Users can simply book a ride, and voilà—a sleek, self-driving vehicle arrives to whisk them away.

Waymo primarily operates a fleet of stylish Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans, all customized with their advanced self-driving technology. They are also exploring autonomous trucks as part of their Waymo Via freight division.

Since its inception as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has come a long way and is now setting the stage for a new era of transportation in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.