The new Plan supports NSW’s Future Transport 2056 Strategy and sets the agenda for how we will get the most from this technology and the steps needed to be ready over the next few years.
Highlights of the plan include:
1. Greater use of advanced safety technologies to reduce crashes.
2. Identifying locations to operate these vehicles safely at greater scale, particularly on major roads, precincts and supporting public transport.
3. Updating modelling for transport planning and investment, to make it future-ready.
4. More customer information and research into customers’ choices.
5. A $10 million program of trials to maximise passenger services, freight, safety and mobility benefits.
Transport for NSW is already partnering with industry on a growing portfolio of trials of connected and automated vehicle technology both in metropolitan and regional areas, including our driverless Smart Shuttle at Sydney Olympic Park and automated vehicle trials just announced for Armidale and Coffs Harbour.
Transport for NSW, Transurban and some of the world’s leading car makers have also joined forces to research how the state’s roads function with new life-saving vehicle automation technologies, laying the foundation for driverless vehicles of the future.
The technology is here and over the next five years, we will be ready to use it to deliver better transport and infrastructure for NSW.
This plan is about mapping out our next steps, identifying opportunities for industry to partner with Government and ensuring that NSW is gearing up for the safe and efficient operation of vehicles as they become more connected and automated.
We are entering a new transport era more revolutionary than that of the introduction of smartphones. That technology changed the way we accessed media, communicated with our friends, told the time and even how we listened to music.
In a similar way, connected and automated vehicles will transform transport and mobility by improving road safety, congestion management and access to services.
This technology can help reduce the 90% of crashes that involve human error, while households could also enjoy more affordable travel through efficiencies with costs reduced by half for single passengers, and even more if they share their trip with others.
It’s expected that connected and automated vehicles will be able to move more people and goods without needing as much new road or parking space. With less congestion, we can enjoy faster trips, particularly in new shared ride services, while for regional NSW this can mean new transport options and safer vehicles that can help reduce the road toll.
This new plan will ensure we are well prepared so we can get the best for the community from these emerging technologies.
