Driverless cars in New Jersey? Pilot program up for debate in state legislature
State lawmakers are weighing a bill that would establish a three-year pilot program to test the safety and security of autonomous vehicles in the Garden State.
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New Jersey could soon allow driverless cars on its roads.
State lawmakers are weighing a bill that would establish a three-year pilot program to test the safety and security of autonomous vehicles in the Garden State.
Under the test program, drivers would be required to sit in the driver’s seat while the car operates, giving them the ability to take manual control at any time.
The bill would also create a task force to oversee the program and gather feedback from the public.
“It sounds cool, but I just think about like the actual human, it’s taking away from humans," a Jersey City resident told News 12. "When things are already established, I’ll take part in it, but when things are still in the testing stage, I don’t want to be like one of the crash dummies."
Autonomous vehicle company Waymo already operates in several major U.S. cities. However, some residents who live in more populated areas of New Jersey said they’re unsure how well the technology would translate locally.
“[Los Angeles] is so driver-friendly, and areas like this aren’t. So it’d be interesting to see if they adapt their technology or put safety precautions in place, or like if they’d be willing to do that,” said a Hoboken resident.
Others said they see potential benefits, especially when it comes to accessibility.
“I think it’s a good idea to help people out,” a Bloomfield resident said.
Some residents also mentioned that driverless cars could offer an alternative to public transportation.
“It will probably hopefully cut some costs. Ubers are pretty expensive here," a Hoboken man said. "Especially with the PATH being a little inconsistent, especially after hours on Fridays and then all-day Saturdays as well. Just the consistency that Uber could get you would be pretty cool if they had the cost cutting with driverless cars."
The bill has not yet been brought to the floor for a vote.
