Reader has questions about shuttle moves
Regarding Sam Still’s article on Sept. 3 about the city replacing electric shuttles with “autonomous” shuttles: I’m thrilled to see Chattanooga embracing technology and innovation. And the article makes a strong case that if the technology of autonomous public transit needs testing, Chattanooga is a great city for it.
I agree we have the infrastructure and talent pool to make it happen. What I don’t get is why we need autonomous public transit at all. I’m glad to read that the drivers will retain their jobs — though I’m curious to see what those jobs will be in a fleet of (presumably) driverless vehicles. But I don’t see in the article the case for autonomous shuttles themselves. In private enterprise, I get it — getting rid of drivers saves costs. But, according to the article, that’s (thankfully) not the reason.
I get we need to replace our aging shuttles; that’s great. But why autonomous? Do they make the roads safer? Are they more efficient? Will the ride be smoother? Can they operate for more hours? What’s the benefit of autonomous shuttles over conventional modern electric shuttles? And is this benefit reflected in the cost of the shuttles themselves and the “command center” to control them? I love a shiny new thing as much as the next person, but I just don’t see the need for “autonomy” here.
Spencer Pennington