Driverless technology has to serve the public interest
The article argues that driverless cabs (Autonomous Passenger Vehicles) being tested in London risk prioritizing private profit over public good. It highlights concerns from a Financial Times report that incoming Labour mayor Andy Burnham's team may slow the rollout. The author questions the benefits for passengers needing affordable public transport, the livelihoods of 300,000 UK private hire drivers, and the impact on congestion and bus services. The piece warns that allowing unregulated growth of driverless cabs could weaken public transport, increase private journeys, and leave vulnerable groups behind. It proposes alternatives such as using the technology for freight safety, integrating APVs with public transport (as in Oslo), and requiring TfL to reject current operator permits until a clear public-interest plan is established.
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