Seoul, South Korea, has taken a groundbreaking step towards the future of public transport by introducing self-driving technology on buses.
The innovative move comes from Smart yoUr Mobility (SUM), a private developer specializing in autonomous vehicle control technology. Initially implemented during nighttime hours, the autonomous buses aim to cater to the increasing demand for late-night service as fewer drivers are willing to work during those hours.
While current regulations mandate a human driver onboard for safety reasons, many passengers are unaware that they are riding on an autonomous vehicle. Park Kang-uk, the head of operations at SUM, envisions a future where all buses in Seoul will operate driverlessly. The company has dedicated four years to developing the city’s first self-driving night bus, setting a global precedent.
The Level 3 autonomous bus requires occasional human intervention in certain situations, showcasing the need for ongoing technological advancements. Despite some initial trepidation from passengers witnessing the steering wheel move on its own, the majority remain relaxed and receptive to the new technology.
However, experts like Professor Currie from Monash University caution against overly optimistic views on the future of autonomous vehicles. While governments see potential cost savings in autonomous public transport, concerns linger about the impact on bus drivers and maintenance workers.
South Korea and China are making significant investments in autonomous driving projects, hinting at a future where self-driving vehicles could become more prevalent. However, challenges remain, such as road congestion and the need for comprehensive urban planning to accommodate autonomous vehicles effectively.
As cities like Seoul pioneer self-driving technology in public transport, the future of autonomous vehicles is a topic of ongoing debate. While the industry progresses towards more advanced autonomy levels, it is crucial to address the broader implications for urban mobility, labor markets, and city infrastructure.
