Autonomous Transit Overseas, While in Virginia ...

Competition is getting fierce to demonstrate driverless vehicles manufacturers are welcome. Strategies differ by pilot program, big plans, and the absence of legal restrictions.

Transit in the Desert

Recent news shows Dubai continuing to make a strong commitment to driverless transportation, specifically transit shuttles. Lots of testing via pilots and consideration of expansion to "metro stations, malls and tourist attractions." Consideration is serious here on the first-mile/last mile piece as well. Dubai is also crafting regulations for the not-too-distant ordinary operation of autonomous transit.

Where the Underground is Polite - Mind the Gap

A pilot project to take place in South London in 2019 will show off the UK government's investment in a consortium pushing ahead with autonomous vehicle technology. The 2019 pilot will be Uber-esque ride hailing designed to replace automobile commuter trips. "FiveAI, a Cambridge-based artificial intelligence firm, is developing the trial with Direct Line, the University of Oxford, Transport for London and the Transport Research Laboratory."

American translation: Competition is serious with autonomous-related AI technology. Think the huge GM investment in Cruise Automation. Plus, smartly, the UK is making sure transit - see Transport for London - is a partner.

I love "mind the gap." We need that British voice on American subways and the level of service of London subways too, please.

Across the Potomac

Meanwhile, American states are practically in a mob fistfight to advance in the driverless race, except for California, which is confident that Silicon Valley firms and brains are not moving out anytime soon. This time it is the governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia who is laying out the red carpet. Terry McAuliffe, the governor and good friend of the Clinton family, declares that his state's motor vehicle laws and regulations currently allow for driverless vehicles to be tested and operated on Virginia's roads. No law is good law goes Virginia's thinking on attracting autonomous vehicle manufacturers and tech companies.

States Elbowing to Lead the Way

I'm still getting back to this topic, but it seems states are popping up like crazy to join the driverless bandwagon. Currently, there are driverless vehicles either on the roads or soon to be in five states: California (Mountain View), Florida (Tampa), Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh), Nevada, and North Carolina (Fort Bragg).

Florida's governor is excited about driverless technology and he does not want to be left behind. Florida is getting in on autonomous features for driving on its roads.

Tampa will house the first driverless vehicle program for the public. Its Museum of Science and Industry will allow visitors to take a driverless ride starting this Saturday. 

South Carolina's city of Greenville wants to join in with the participation of Bob Jones University's engineering students.

Virginia's Tech Transportation Institute envisions cars with autonomous features on busy roads near Washington, DC in Northern Virginia. 

Nevada's governor is gung ho to be in the forefront of driverless vehicle adoption. There is already one driverless truck in the state.