New Yorkers are saying no way to the type of driverless taxis operated by the company Waymo.<\/p>\n
A majority of New Yorkers asked in a recent poll said they oppose the driverless robot cars over concerns about lost jobs for drivers, as well as the taxis’ ability to drive in bad weather on the city\u2019s chaotic streets. The poll, published on Monday, was conducted by the Siena Research Institute on behalf of the Black Car Fund, a not-for-profit company that provides workers\u2019 compensation insurance to for-hire drivers.<\/p>\n
The poll surveyed 802 registered New York state residents in late January. Nearly 60% said they would feel unsafe riding in a car without a person driving. Roughly 25% of New York City residents supported the use of autonomous vehicles in the five boroughs.<\/p>\n
The poll\u2019s release came after Gov. Kathy Hochul announced plans to introduce legislation this year that would allow autonomous vehicles to be tested outside of New York City.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis initiative builds on years of successful testing demonstrations across the state and reflects growing evidence that autonomous vehicles can improve road safety and transportation options when introduced thoughtfully,\u201d she wrote in her State of the State book.<\/p>\n