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
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
DEVELOPING Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar
Hamas said it has accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar, which seeks to halt the seven-month war with Israel in Gaza, prompting Israel to say it would send a delegation to negotiate – though it warned the proposal remained far from the 'necessary requirements.'
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
2024 Met Gala: Everything to know about fashion's annual soiree
Fashion's biggest night out — hosted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York each year on the first Monday of May — is both a forever-evolving spectacle and a carefully crafted event.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Concern over speeding in Fredericton neighbourhood grows after 2 teens, young adult killed in crash
Three people – including two teens – are dead, and two others are injured after a crash that has left a greater Fredericton community shaken.