Denver saw a notable first this week: It’s first driverless on-road transit route. This route, which is a pilot program known as 61AV, debuted on Tuesday.
The route uses a 12-passenger driverless shuttle. Its runs at a relatively low speed (12-15 mph). The shuttle will have an ambassador on board to help passengers and monitor safety.
The route is a circular route with four stops. The stops are near the 61st and Pena transit station and the EasyMile and Panasonic offices. The shuttle is scheduled to run every 15 minutes, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The route will run for the next few months. It is currently free of charge. It is meant to test how well driverless vehicles work as a public transportation option.
What do you think of this pilot program? Do you think that driverless vehicles will one day be a major part of the public transportation system here in Denver? Would you like to have driverless shuttles as a commuting option?
As this pilot program illustrates, developments in driverless technology are opening up the possibility of a lot of changes happening out on the roads in upcoming years. As the presence of driverless vehicles, including driverless public transportation vehicles, grows, many important issues will need to be addressed. This includes how to best ensure these vehicles operate the way they are supposed to and are able to help in making things safer out on the roads. Another key issue is what legal options will be available to individuals hurt in accidents involving such vehicles. It will be worth watching what is done here in Colorado and throughout the U.S. in upcoming years related to such matters.