A look into the UK’s trial of autonomous taxis

T itle"> The government has funded UK’s first public autonomous taxi trial to begin soon in Greenwich along a 2-kilometre course. This shows the willingness of the government to improve public transport and help people reach their destinations on schedule. This trial will be conducted on a 4 week schedule where five passengers per driverless shuttle will be ferried along the specified route. Participants were required to register in advance for prior trials that were conducted in Milton Keynes. However, things have changed this time around as the vehicles are open to picking up anybody who wants a ride. This gives a perfect platform to get unbiased reviews from the public and help rectify some of the issue noted. A safety warden will be onboard of the vehicle and will be able to deal with any inconveniences. The wardens have the power to completely shut down or slow down the autonomous system. The vehicles lack conventional controls but the wardens are equipped with the necessary knowledge to operate the system if need be. Also, the chances for high-speed collision are extremely minimal considering the fact that the shuttles are limited to travel at only 15 kilometres per hour. That speed is relatively better given that it is faster than walking. A thirty minute will be reduced to a 10-minute ride. UK’s first public autonomous taxi trial to begin soon is a positive step in the right direction. Change is coming and we should be willing to embrace it.