Vancouver looks to the future – driverless shuttle

The technology is here but is Lower Mainland ready?

Vancouver residents are invited to get a glimpse of the future by riding in an autonomous vehicle.

There will be two pickup locations in Vancouver for free shuttle rides. For more information or to book a ride on the shuttle, visit the Smarter Together website.

The driverless shuttle, also known as ELA, will be in the city as part of a joint application with Surrey in the Smart Cities Challenge.

The joint bid is one of five finalists to win the top prize of $50 million for improving the lives of residents in urban areas.

“This is the first time that autonomous vehicles are being considered for large-scale use in the Lower Mainland,” Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum said in a news release earlier this month.

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart also touted the project’s potential.

“In Surrey and Vancouver, we believe that together we are leading the way and setting the standard for other cities in Canada to follow for smart mobility,” he said.

The ELA is 100 per cent electric and uses sensors, cameras and computers to analyze its surroundings as it travels, thereby eliminating one of the leading causes of collisions – human error.

It’s a technology that is already being used in several countries around the world. It’s supposed to improve safety, enhance sustainability and reduce congestion on busy traffic routes.

The driverless shuttle has a maximum speed of around 40 km/hr. But during demos, it travels at about 12 km/hr and can carry up to 12 passengers.

Driverless vehicles are coming to Vancouver and it will be sooner than later.