URGENT UPDATE: Waymo, the pioneering self-driving robotaxi company, is making headlines as it returns to Boston just one year after its initial exploration of the city’s challenging streets. In a statement released on Thursday, Waymo emphasized its eagerness to adapt to Boston’s unique infrastructure, which includes cobblestones, narrow alleyways, and complex roundabouts.
However, before Boston residents can experience these autonomous rides, Waymo requires the support of Massachusetts lawmakers to legalize fully autonomous vehicles. “We’re looking forward to engaging with officials to inform that path,” Waymo stated, highlighting the urgency for legislative action.
The push for legalization comes amidst concerns from local drivers, including Uber and Lyft operators, who fear job losses due to the rise of driverless technology. Waymo appears to have an ally in Dan Cahill, chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, who stated, “Our goal is to create a clear and consistent framework to ensure that any new technology on our roads meets established safety standards.”
Despite this support, skepticism remains among some Boston officials. Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets, remarked, “Driving here is not like driving in the rest of the country. Our streets are complex, they’re congested, they’re chaotic.” City Councilor Ed Flynn echoed these concerns, pointing out obstacles such as double-parked vehicles, delivery drivers, and ongoing road construction that complicate navigation.
Waymo reassured the community that it has been testing its technology in some of the snowiest cities across the nation, preparing for the winter weather conditions that Massachusetts faces. “We are committed to ensuring that residents and visitors have a dependable way to get around,” the company stated.
As the conversation around autonomous vehicles continues, all eyes will be on Massachusetts lawmakers. With increasing public interest and the potential for significant changes in transportation, the outcome of this legislative push could redefine the future of urban mobility in Boston.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
