Self-driving car services could be in the works for Calgary
While self-driving cars may seem like something from the future, Calgary could be closer than you think to seeing them on the roads.
California-based Waymo is an autonomous vehicle technology company that offers driverless ride-hailing services similar to Uber and Lyft. The company has expressed interest in expanding into Canada, including Calgary.
“Waymo has global ambitions, and we’re excited to be coming to Canada and Toronto. We have been engaging with officials across Canada to explain our technology and advocate for the legal frameworks needed to bring our fully autonomous ride-hailing service to more places,” a Waymo spokesperson said when speaking with Daily Hive.
Winter weather could be one of the biggest challenges for Waymo in Alberta, where snow and ice are a regular part of driving for much of the year.
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According to its website, Waymo says its vehicles can already navigate rain, fog, sandstorms, and freezing temperatures, but the company is working on its 6th-generation Waymo Driver to safely operate across diverse weather conditions, including snow.
The company said it has logged tens of thousands of miles in snowy conditions, including in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, upstate New York, and the Sierra, and is testing how its vehicles respond to icy roads, slush, and falling snow.
While it’s still developing its winter technology, the possibility of autonomous vehicles coming to Calgary is already on the table.
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“Waymo has expressed interest in operating in the City of Calgary, and we look forward to the discussions,” the City of Calgary said.
In order for Waymo to operate in the city, the province would first need to establish regulations for self-driving vehicles, and then Calgary would look into licensing requirements and possible changes to its bylaws to allow the vehicles to operate as ride-hailing services in the city.
Alberta’s current legislation does not specifically allow or prohibit highly automated vehicles, according to a spokesperson for Alberta Transportation.
“Any proposals could be considered on a case-by-case basis through permits with appropriate safety and operating conditions,” the spokesperson said.
The province is also examining approaches in other jurisdictions and working with Transport Canada and other provincial and territorial partners to consider a potential framework for autonomous vehicles, with public safety as the top priority.
What are your thoughts on Waymo and their self-driving cars potentially coming to Calgary? Let us know in the comments.