Waymo, the autonomous vehicle unit of Alphabet Inc. ($GOOGL), has received its first-ever permit from the New York City Department of Transportation to begin testing self-driving cars in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. The permit allows Waymo to operate up to eight autonomous vehicles through late September 2025, with the option to extend the testing period. This marks the first time autonomous vehicle testing has been authorized in New York City, which is known for having some of the toughest regulatory standards in the United States. During the initial phase, each vehicle will have a trained human safety driver behind the wheel. The rollout is seen as a critical step toward launching a full robotaxi service in the city, which presents a challenging environment for autonomous technology. Mayor Eric Adams has expressed support for innovation and technology-friendly policies. Meanwhile, other companies like Tesla have not yet applied for similar permits in the city. The introduction of Waymo's robotaxis has sparked discussions about the potential impact on traditional taxi and rideshare drivers in New York. The testing initiative also aligns with Waymo's broader national expansion plans, as the company already operates autonomous services in other cities. Public figures such as former Mayor Bill de Blasio have voiced opposition to the development. The deployment of these vehicles is expected to begin imminently, marking a milestone in the adoption of autonomous vehicle technology in urban environments.