Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo has applied for a permit to test its robotaxis in New York City, underscoring its intent to operate in one of the largest ride-hailing markets in the US despite an absence of local regulations supporting commercially operated autonomous vehicles.

Driverless taxi company Waymo will soon be testing its tech on City streets, the firm announced Wednesday — part of an effort to lobby for a law change that would allow the robotaxis to

Waymo, the self-driving car unit of Google parent Alphabet, is returning to New York City. But it won’t be offering rides to the paying public yet, as it currently does in four other cities. The company announced Wednesday that it has applied for a permit with the New York City Department of Transportation for its vehicles to operate autonomously with a “trained specialist” behind the wheel in Manhattan.

The latest rollout expands Waymo’s Bay Area service area by 80 square miles and is the company’s third major launch on the Peninsula since it began operating outside San Francisco last August, starting with Daly City, Broadmoor and Colma. It added service in parts of northern Santa Clara County in April.

Waymos will be able to take passengers to Playa del Rey, Ladera Heights, Echo Park, Silver Lake and the full stretch of Sunset Boulevard.

Waymo has expanded its service area in two populous parts of California. The company's robotaxis have begun operating in new neighborhoods throughout San Francisco and Los Angeles.