Self-driving shuttle pilot project ends without giving a single ride
An autonomous shuttle pilot project in Toronto that was supposed to connect one Scarborough neighbourhood to GO Transit has ended even before residents could ride the self-driving vehicle.
The city announced Friday the cancellation of the West Rouge Automated Shuttle program.
“The City, TTC and Metrolinx have jointly agreed to conclude the trial in Toronto due to several reasons that are expected to continue delaying service to the public past the February 28, 2022 planned end date,” the city said in a news release.
One of the reasons is that Local Motors, the company contracted to supply the self-driving shuttles, has recently ceased operations and can no longer provide technical and operational support, the city said. The company’s Olli 2.0 self-driving vehicle was going to be used for the project.
The pilot, the city said, was planned to be launched in spring 2021, but it got delayed because further evaluation of the shuttle’s performance was needed.
“Despite not offering service to the public, the city and its partners tested the automated shuttle service for two months in the fall of 2021 and gathered data about how automated vehicle technologies operate, their different requirements when compared to conventional transit vehicles, the current limitations of the technology and the range of solutions available in the market. The insights gained from the trial will support future decision-making and planning for automated vehicles in transit and the broader transportation system,” the city said.
The self-driving shuttle was supposed to connect residents of Scarborough’s West Rouge neighbourhood to Rouge Hill GO Station.
The vehicle had a seating capacity of eight passengers and was equipped with an accessibility ramp and a securement system for one wheelchair or mobility device.
It has sensors to analyze its surroundings and respond to road and traffic conditions. The shuttle has a maximum speed of 20 km/hr while operating autonomously but can travel up to 40 km/hr on manual mode.
An attendant would always be present on board in case they need to take over driving.
“The City, TTC and Metrolinx remain committed to finding innovative, accessible and sustainable transit solutions, including automated vehicle technology, to fulfill the future transportation needs of Torontonians,” the statement read.
The cancellation of the pilot project also comes after the Ministry of Transportation suspended its approval to operate the trial following an unrelated crash involving another self-driving shuttle in Whitby last month that left one man injured.
Durham police said the shuttle, which was not in service at the time, was in manual mode when it collided with a tree.
Following the crash, the shuttle service was suspended pending a full investigation into the incident.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.