Perth is one of three cities in the world set to trial a new type of electric-powered autonomous vehicle, designed for on-demand and shared mobility services.
The Western Australian capital, Paris and a yet to be named US city will host trials of on-demand, shared driverless service vehicles called Autonoms, produced by French company NAVYA.
The Perth trial will be run by RAC WA in partnership with the Western Australian Government.
According to a statement from the office of Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, the vehicles are expected to arrive in Perth in April 2018, with the state government and RAC exploring potential locations for the initial trial, and the idea of a limited on-road public trail with a trained chaperone as part of the projects future stages.
“It is important that our State is provided with a safe, cost efficient and accessible mode of commuter transport,” said Ms. Saffioti in the statement.
“I am very proud that Western Australia is leading the way with Perth being one of only three cities worldwide trialling these vehicles.
Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly also praised the development for the state.
“The autonomous vehicle revolution is coming and WA has the potential to be at the cutting edge of this new technology,” he said.
“High-tech new industries such as autonomous vehicles will be a source of the jobs of the future and I want to ensure this State is well placed to take advantage of these opportunities.”
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