Translink is exploring transportation of the future by looking into driverless buses guided by computer maps and laser technology, similar to the system used for its skytrains.
Described as “self-driving automobiles”, the system is still prototype technology and has a long way to go before it’s safe for the streets of metro Vancouver and unlike current buses which seat between 74-104 passengers, the new buses will only seat 15-20. The Netherlands however, a country with less traffic and smaller roads has implemented a driver-less transit system, something Translink is closely watching. Shangahi is in the process of placing magnets in their roads and will also test out the new system in the years to come.
“If it does land on the market it could potential be a huge game-changer for how people travel in the region. We don’t want to make any sudden purchases, we want to see how the consumers react to it how the prototype plays out and how it will meet Canadian regulations.” said TransLink spokeswoman Jiana Ling.
Google is currently testing out a driver-less car project in Nevada and Florida state. They’ve stated their fleet of 10+ computerized cars, including Toyota Prius, an Audi TT, and Lexus RX450h have been test driven a total of 500,000 kilometers with zero accidents to date.
Don’t get to excited or scared though, Translink says the plans won’t hit the streets until at least 2040.
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