UK pod trials to test public acceptance of driverless vehicles

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Developed through the so-called GATEway Project (Greenwich Automated Transport Environment), the vehicles will use advanced sensors and autonomy software to detect and avoid obstacles whilst carrying members of the public participating in the study.

The initiative, which is led by TRL and funded by government and industry, aims to demonstrate the use of automated vehicles for ‘last mile’ mobility, seamlessly connecting existing transport hubs with residential and commercial areas using a zero emission, low noise transport system.

Research findings from the project will guide the wider roll out of automated vehicle technology in all forms of surface transport, including cars, lorries and buses.

The main focus of the study is not the technology but how it functions alongside people in a natural environment.

This first trial will explore people’s pre-conceptions of driverless vehicles and barriers to acceptance through detailed interviews with participants before and after they ride in the shuttle.