REVIEW
Prepared by Cathryn Grant
DRIVERLESS VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY IS OFFERING HOPE OF A TRULY INDEPENDENT FUTURE TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO RELY ON OTHERS FOR TRANSPORT Author: Fran Molloy Date: 22 December 2017 Source: The Royal Automobile Club of WA (RAC) https://rac.com.au/car-motoring/info/future_driverless-and-mobility (accessed 08/10/2020) Discussion: Transportation can be a big issue for some people with a disability, the elderly and children that are not yet of driving age or those that do not have access to a private vehicle. Can autonomous vehicles (AV) be part of the answer?
AV trials and innovation is underway in all other states of Australia now. Visit the following website to read more: https://austroads.com.au/drivers-and-vehicles/future-vehicles-and-technology/ trials.
The RAC in partnership with the Western Australian Government and the City of South Perth have been trialing a driverless bus in South Perth since 1 September 2016. This was the first trial of its kind in Australia and is called the Intellibus. It travels along a 3.5km set route through many different traffic experiences. There are two chaperones on board at all times.
Our challenge is to ensure that the many and varied needs of people with a disability are factored into these new technologies, including the vehicles and supporting infrastructure which incorporates the built environment and software technologies.
The results of a post-ride survey indicate that: • 84% reported their experience as extremely positive • 81% of people strongly agreed that this technology would enhance freedom and independence for the young, ageing and those with mobility difficulties • 59% reported not at all being concerned about learning how to use a driverless vehicle • 98% believed that the Intellibus could be used as a future service in WA Source: https://rac.com.au/about-rac/advocating-change/initiatives/automated-vehicle-program/intellibus/passenger-feedback Spring 2020
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