War over robotaxis in NYC heats up after retracted Waymo report and 'Autokill' novel

• A recent kerfuffle between Waymo and a new transportation research program at Hunter College revealed deep division and distrust over the future of robotaxis in New York City.
• Schwartz’s transportation research team released a flawed report that attacked Waymo’s safety record, but the report was retracted after Waymo pointed out significant flaws in the analysis.
• A revised version of the report found Waymo taxis had “62% fewer crashes resulting in an injury and 87% fewer crashes resulting in a serious injury or death when compared to New York City for-hire vehicles.”
• Schwartz, a former taxi driver, is a leading skeptic of self-driving cars in the city and coauthored a science fiction novel, “Autokill,” about terrorists hijacking autonomous vehicles.
• The report and publicity surrounding his new book amounted to a one-two punch against the Silicon Valley-backed robotaxi industry.
• Trent Victor, Waymo’s senior director of safety science and management, stated that the past few weeks have been counterproductive to public policy conversations about autonomous vehicles.
• Schwartz expressed hope that Waymo would continue to behave well, noting that he had a pleasant experience riding Waymo taxis with his wife.
• He also raised concerns about the potential for multiple companies to enter the market and the risk of not adhering to speed limits or zones.
• The city must consider the impact on taxi and rideshare drivers whose jobs could be at risk due to the transition to autonomous vehicles.
• Bhairavi Desai, president of the Taxi Workers Alliance, highlighted the existential threat to working conditions and the job itself.
• The Interborough Express, a light rail project, is planned to link Brooklyn and Queens with multiple elevators and a modern look, expected to be operational in the 2030s.
• The Second Avenue subway's first phase of construction began in 2007, prompting Mensch Supply to move from the Upper East Side to East Harlem.
• Moet McCullum, a MTA worker, was killed by a flagger near Yankee Stadium, marking the second deadly incident involving a flagger with little experience since 2023.
• MTA electrical substations are not being properly maintained, according to a watchdog report.
• A new elevator at the 57th Street M station and other stations is being considered to improve commuter experience.

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