Metro Vancouver's transit authority is exploring the possibility of driverless buses guided by computerized maps and laser technology.
TransLink spokeswoman Jiana Ling said while these “self-driving automobiles” are still prototype technology, driver-free transit could be in Vancouver’s distant future.
“If it does land on the market it could potential be a huge game-changer for how people travel in the region,” Ling said.
Bus driver’s union vice-president Gavin Davies said TransLink should concentrate attention on more current issues.
“I think they should focus more on running the system that we have now and focus more on these ideas in the future,” he said.
Driverless transportation has already hit the streets of the Netherlands and magnets in roads will soon guide buses in Shangahi.
Google is also testing 12 driverless cars in the United States that have already driven 500,000 kilometres accident-free.
Ling said the plans won’t be implemented until at least 2040.
“We don’t want to make any sudden purchases,” she said. “We want to see how the consumers react to it how the prototype plays out and how it will meet Canadian regulations.”
With a report from CTV British Columbia’s Shannon Paterson
