BRT systems to be replaced by driverless cars
While Sri Lanka is still far away from moving into the world of self-driven cars, Europeans are still grappling with the nuances of how this could be implemented or its commuting patterns that would ideally be a key to fewer accidents.
While Sri Lanka is currently looking at the possibility of establishing a policy of ensuring buses ply on a separate dedicated lane or the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, this system is said to be replaced by automated driverless cars in Europe that could lead to less congestion and fewer incidence of accidents.
Speaking on the sidelines of the three day International Transport Forum (ITF) 2015 in Leipzig, Germany, ITF Economist Philippe Crist told the Business Times that these vehicles could lead to less traffic congestion in the urban cities that could even replace the buses.
First coined to existence by Google nearly six years back, the driverless cars are automated systems that would be on the roads but were currently only at the prototype and test trial stage.
However, car manufacturers like BMW have already got underway with the BMW i3 fully electric car and automated to suit the growing demand for a driverless car with production carried out of at least 100 per day at its Leipzig plant.
Mr. Crist pointed out that they were looking at possibilities of enabling people to use even driverless buses for about eight or six passengers that could be picked up at their respective locations and commute reducing traffic congestion in the urban cities. Cars of this nature could help remove at least nine out of 10 vehicles on the road if riders share the same vehicle.It was highlighted that cars were immensely underused since today they were either stationed for long hours in individuals’ driveways or at parking spaces in cities.
Sarah Hunter, Head of Public Policy at Google X who was part of a team that pioneered this invention, speaking at the forum explained through a video presentation the acceptability of the driverless car by young and old alike in a small town neighbourhood away from the city.
This had a great impact on the lives of the people who were given the opportunity to go for a ride and were positive about the opportunity it could afford them as senior citizens to move about without outside help.
Ms. Hunter however put forward key issues and challenges that authorities would have to face up to in meeting with the demands of a driverless car.
Another key individual at the forum this year was Michelin CEO Jean-Dominique Senard, speaking during the Ministerial session, who urged policy makers to increase focus on reducing carbon emissions.As a manufacturer that exports three million tonnes of tyres globally, he noted that it was necessary to work hard to provide for human security.
Targeting 2050, leaders in Europe were asked to cut down massively on carbon emissions by taking on long term business decisions; enacting policies to facilitate trade and foster innovation; and educating its citizens on the issues pertaining to climate change.