Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to expand self-driving cars across New York, but labor unions and the public aren’t buying in yet, according to the Times Union.
Hochul’s proposed budget would let autonomous vehicles operate outside New York City, with state approval and steep fees. Companies like Waymo support the move, arguing the technology boosts safety and competitiveness. But transportation unions warn it could wipe out driving jobs and raise safety and cybersecurity risks.
Public skepticism runs deep. A Siena Research Institute poll found most New Yorkers fear job losses and say they’d feel unsafe sharing roads with driverless cars. Lawmakers now face a fight over whether New York speeds ahead or slams the brakes.
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