# Waymo's NYC RoboTaxi Test: A Game Changer?

**Waymo**, the self-driving arm of Alphabet Inc., has officially applied for a permit to test its autonomous vehicles in New York City. This bold move throws a wrench into the existing ride-hailing market, currently dominated by **Uber** and **Lyft**.

The application, submitted to the city's Department of Transportation, would allow Waymo to operate robotaxis in Manhattan with a safety driver behind the wheel.  This is significant because NYC currently lacks regulations specifically supporting commercially operated autonomous vehicles.  The news sent ripples through the stock market, causing shares of Uber and Lyft to dip.

[Learn more about NYC's autonomous vehicle regulations](https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/autonomous-vehicles.shtml)

This development marks a potential turning point for the future of transportation in the Big Apple.  Will robotaxis become a common sight on NYC streets? Only time will tell.



Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo has applied for a permit to test its robotaxis in New York City, underscoring its intent to operate in one of the largest ride-hailing markets in the US despite an absence of local regulations supporting commercially operated autonomous vehicles.

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