FINLAND SELF DRIVING SHUTTLE SERVICE

Finland prepares for self-driving shuttle service

Finland could be the first country to have a regular autonomous shuttle service, with city transportation officials aiming to debut the service as soon as possible

According to read write,Tests have been ongoing since August 2016, when the shuttle was first deployed on a quarter-mile course with 12 passengers on board.

Since then, improvements have been made to the sensors and self-driving software. It is now able to run longer routes and could be used for multiple purposes, including last mile deliveries and as a taxi for the elderly.

Sohjoa, the EU-backed project that counts Finland’s six most populated cities, Finnish universities and transport officials as members, will release finalized information on the route, schedule, and launch date later in the year.

Finland has become a center for self-driving cars because of its strict transport laws not restricting the testing or deployment of autonomous vehicles. A car technically does not need a driver in Finland, meaning as long as the tech is safe, it has a place on the road.

Finland hopes that the project will eventually reduce car ownership and carbon emissions, more projects are yet to be unveiled.