New Advocacy Coalition Pushes for Autonomous Vehicles in New York

While New York has permitted limited autonomous vehicle testing in cities like Buffalo and New York City since 2017, the state still lacks a regulatory framework for full-scale passenger operations. The new coalition intends to change that by hosting community events, utilizing public polling, and running media campaigns to educate residents on the potential benefits of self-driving technology.

The organization’s advisory board features prominent figures including former DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder, Tech:NYC executive director Julie Samuels, and Rev. Mark E. Blue of the Buffalo NAACP. These advocates argue that autonomous vehicles could address transportation deserts and provide safer alternatives for those underserved by existing public transit or paratransit services. By positioning the technology as a solution to inequality and traffic accidents, the group seeks to build the political momentum necessary to pass authorization legislation in Albany.