WAY-NO to Waymo: NYSFTD Leads Protest to Protect NYC Drivers

NYSFTD Joins Drivers in Protest Against Waymo

Standing Strong with Our Drivers

On Aug 25 2025, the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers (NYSFTD), led by longtime advocate Fernando Mateo, joined drivers in a powerful protest against Waymo, the self-driving vehicle company threatening the livelihoods of hardworking taxi and livery drivers across our city.

Why We Protested

Waymo’s push to expand autonomous vehicles in New York raises serious concerns for the future of our industry. Self-driving cars not only threaten to eliminate thousands of jobs, but also put public safety, accountability, and fairness at risk. Taxi and livery drivers have always been the backbone of this city — providing safe, reliable, and human-centered transportation to millions of New Yorkers.

Fernando Mateo’s Message

At the protest, Fernando Mateo, founder of NYSFTD and a voice for taxi drivers for decades, spoke out passionately:

“We are here to protect the jobs, the dignity, and the rights of every driver in New York. Technology should not come at the expense of hardworking families. We stand united against Waymo and anyone else who threatens our community.”

Community Response

The protest drew hundreds of drivers and supporters, making it clear that the taxi industry will not be left behind. With chants, signs, and solidarity, drivers reminded the city that we are essential, we are strong, and we will be heard.

What’s Next

NYSFTD will continue to advocate at City Hall, in Albany, and beyond to ensure the voices of taxi drivers are represented in every discussion about the future of transportation. Together, we are committed to fighting for fairness, safety, and opportunity for all drivers.

Press Links

• New York Daily News – Driverless taxis in NYC? No way — Waymo union protesters https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/08/25/driverless-taxis-in-nyc-no-waymo-union-protesters/

• ABC7 New York – Taxi drivers call on Gov. Hochul to stop Waymo’s driverless cars in NYC https://wabcradio.com/2025/08/25/driverless-cars-in-nyc/ Ground News+9ABC7 New York+9FOX 5 New York+977 WABC

• FOX 5 New York – NYC taxi drivers say “WAY—NO!” to Waymo the driverless car company https://www.fox5ny.com/news/nyc-taxi-drivers-waymo-driverless-car-company FOX 5 New York

• NY1 / Spectrum News – Taxi drivers protest Waymo’s self‑driving car tests in New York City https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/traffic/2025/08/26/taxi-drivers-protest-waymo-s-self-driving-car-tests-in-new-york-city Yahoo+12NY1+12FOX 5 New York+12

• La Voce di New York – Waymo’s Robotaxi Pilot Divides New Yorkers Over Safety and Jobs https://lavocedinewyork.com/en/new-york/2025/08/27/waymos-robotaxi-pilot-divides-new-yorkers-over-safety-and-jobs/ Ground News+5La Voce di New York+5Wikipedia+5

• Ground News (CNET / BroBible etc.) – Waymo Gets the Green Light to Test in New York City https://ground.news/article/waymo-gets-first-driverless-car-permit-in-nyc FOX 5 New York+11Ground News+11NY1+11

• TeleSUR English – Taxi Federation Threatens to Shut Down New York City Over Waymo Robotaxishttps://ground.news/article/taxis-threaten-to-paralyse-new-york-if-robots-operate Curbed+6Ground News+6New York Post+6

• Curbed – Was That a Waymo You Just Saw?https://www.curbed.com/article/waymo-self-driving-cars-nyc.html Curbed

— Video Coverage

• YouTube – Video of protest involving Fernando Mateo and NYSFTD leadership https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6BWIh_OzHg (Note: same link listed twice originally)

• NBC New York – Taxi drivers demand halt to Waymo driverless cars https://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/on-air/as-seen-on/taxi-drivers-demand-halt-to-waymo-driverless-cars/6376056/?amp=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com

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