Uber to test self-driving cars with regular passengers

Uber to test self-driving cars with regular passengers. August. 20, 2016 07:11. by 이은택 기자nabi@donga.com.

Uber, world’s largest ride-sharing company, has announced its plan to test self-driving cars with regular passengers.

According to foreign media such as AP on Thursday local time, Uber plan to start a test program within this month to launch self-driving cars in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Uber will deploy about 100 cars such as autonomous Ford Fusion and Volvo XC90. This is the first time that the general public will get a chance for an autonomous ride since a series of automakers began research on autonomous vehicles.

“Customers are allowed to summon an autonomous car via Uber’s app using their phones,” said Uber’s spokesperson. “Rides will be free for the time being.” Autonomous cars will come with human back-up drivers to handle any situations that autonomous cars cannot expect.

Uber expects a cut in expenses for drivers with more self-driving cars on the road. Uber CEO Travis Kalanick has said on the same day that Uber’s future will be driverless. He had said last year that riding Uber’s autonomous cars would be cheaper than owing a private car. On the same day, Uber also announced its plan to team up with Volvo in a 300-million-dollar joint venture to develop driverless automobiles.