Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is to trial driverless-buses on the State’s roads as part of a new strategy to ensure the road network is ready for autonomous vehicles.
Welcoming the NSW Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Readiness Strategy, the Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Victor Dominello said driverless vehicles were expected to commercially hit Australian streets in less than a decade.
Mr Dominello said vehicle connectivity and automation technologies were advancing rapidly and already appearing in vehicles on the market today.
He said the Strategy would help prepare the State’s road network, local industry, and the public for the roll out of the technology.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Natalie Ward said the Strategy set out a faster, easier and safer future for commuters in NSW.
“The CAV Readiness Strategy outlines six priority areas focused on integrating this new technology into our transport system,” Mrs Ward said.
“This will include working within the national regulatory framework over the next five years, so we’re ready for the safe commercial deployment of CAVs in Australia,” she said.
“Getting ahead of the game will make it easier to upskill our transport staff so customers have a seamless service when it is officially on our roads.”
Mrs Ward said the Strategy sought to test and deploy CAVs on the road network, shape policy and customer outcomes, develop physical and digital CAV testing capabilities, and support freight services automation.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway said TfNSW’s on-road CAV bus trial could see CAV systems developed and tested on full-sized, passenger-carrying buses in NSW.
TfNSW’s 18-page vehicle readiness strategy can be downloaded at this PS News link.
