Autonomous Vehicles Hit Manhattan & Brooklyn Streets, Sparking Controversy
Autonomous vehicles, such as those from autotrader, have hit the streets of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has deployed self-driving trucks, while Waymo has been given the green light to operate eight autonomous Jaguar SUVs. However, the introduction of these vehicles has sparked controversy among locals.
The Port Authority's self-driving trucks have been spotted in various locations, including Midtown, Chambers Street, and Soho. They primarily operate within the Port of New York and New Jersey area, serving terminals like Howland Hook, Red Hook, Port Jersey, and Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminals. Meanwhile, Waymo's autonomous SUVs are part of a pilot program running until September, allowing them to drive in specific areas of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.
The pilot program, which began in 2021 with manually driven vehicles and later switched to self-driving cars in July, has faced opposition. Taxi and for-hire drivers have protested, expressing concerns about job threats and street safety. Even former Mayor Bill de Blasio has voiced skepticism. Each Waymo vehicle must have a 'trained specialist' on board, ready to take control if necessary, and passenger pick-ups are not allowed during the pilot.
The presence of autonomous vehicles in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn has sparked debate and concern. While the Port Authority's trucks serve specific port areas, Waymo's SUVs are part of a pilot program that has raised questions about job security and safety. As the program continues until September, with a possibility of extension, these news-worthy issues will remain at the forefront of the conversation.
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