The first test autonomous bus journeys will not be available for public boarding.
The Middle Eastern nation of Israel is looking to put automated public transport options on its roads with the aim of reducing traffic congestion while increasing safety and service. The country is soon starting to test autonomous buses as one of the ways to automate mass transport options. Four bus companies were selected for initial testing: Egged, Metropolin, Dan and Nateev Express.
The first test bus journeys will not be made available to the public, with each company tasked with demonstrating the safety, viability and business viability of their autonomous vehicles, will be carried out on closed roads.
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Once approved, these self-driving vehicles will move onto public roads, run on bus routes for a two-year trial period. The country aims to transition to a fleet of autonomous vehicles that operate without a human driver.
Another impetus behind the move is to address Israel’s manpower shortage, as the country is facing a severe bus driver shortage. The government is providing half of the NIS 61 million ($17 million) funding, with Israel’s Innovation Authority and Ayalon Highway also participating, The Jerusalem Post reported.
Reportedly, 600 smart transportation startups are based in Israel alone, with the number of businesses focused on autonomous vehicles growing by 26% year on year.
And while most countries are focusing on self-driving cars and taxis, the automation of public transport options like buses provides another way for cities to encourage adoption. public. IIA President Dr. Ami Appelbaum, IIA president, said: “The State of Israel is harnessing autonomous vehicles to improve Israel’s public transport.
First published date: November 15, 2022, 12:17 PM IST
