C21
Directions
Filling the gap: Autonomous, electric mid-sized buses:
The future is almost here
Putting Canberra into the lead with
sunshine, state-of-the-art technology, advanced data analytics, smart people and
engaged citizens.
The cost now: a very small component of the ACT R&D budget.
The price of not doing taking the opportunity now: missed business opportunities, higher infrastructure costs and the knowledge that we missed the boat (or bus).
Image: Courtesy Navya (One of two Autonomous buses being tested in Switzerland).
IF......
If you could get a bus to pick you up within 20 minutes of you putting a request into your smartphone....
If the bus met you at the designated time and you bus stop was only 3 minutes walk away ....
If your bus fare was automatically processed and your ticket was issued on your smartphone .....
If you knew the time and place you would be dropped before you started the trip ....
If the bus service ran around the clock ....
If you knew that the vehicle was powered mainly by solar energy .....
If you knew that the exact position of the vehicle is known at the control centre in real time ....
If you know that, at any time, the control centre staff any you can communicate via live video-link ....
If you know that a staff member would be on board if you request a service for mobility-impaired travellers .....
Would you like:
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environmentally-friendly electric buses that use solar power to recharge?
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a bus service you can request using a smartphone?
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a bus service that will pick you up no more than 200 metres from your home / office / etc?
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buses that run 24 hours a day - on demand?
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small buses that connect you with major destinations and other transport options?
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the end of large buses navigating Canberra almost empty in off-peak hours?
Fantasy or Reality?
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Driverless buses are already operating in Switzerland, France, Singapore, Holland, California, Perth, and other places!
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In two to three years they are expected to become normal parts of public transport solutionsaround the world.
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Legislation is in place in California providing operating ground rules - South Australia is also working on the regulatory environment.
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Uber (and other ride-sharing services) are demonstrating the benefits of on-demand transport services using user-friendly and informative smartphone apps.
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Canberra has great roads, lots of sunshine, a low population density and lots of very clever people - solar power and 'green' vehicles, better use of roads, connecting people from very close to their homes to shops, offices, other transport systems driven by clever people is a'no brainer'.
Next Steps:
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Canberra needs to start testing the technology now.
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test vehicles and control and navigation systems
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integrating solar electric power and autonomous buses with existing public transport,
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undertake detailed analysis of current and probable future Canberra transport use and needs,
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smart systems that provide Canberrans with an on-demand, affordable, environmentally-friendly, efficient and affordable public transport option.
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test and develop the Canberra eBus app
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test integration with general traffic (traffic lights, bus lanes, etc)
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develop legislation and governance
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develop a strategy where Canberra can take a leading role in the development of autonomous public transport systems.
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