Las Vegas self-driving shuttle debut marred by collision

SAN FRANCISCO: A self-driving shuttle test in Las Vegas streets resulted in a minor bang-up with a delivery truck on Wednesday, with city officials blaming the human.

The driver of the truck was issued a traffic citation, Las Vegas officials said in an online post.

“The shuttle did what it was supposed to do, its sensors registered the truck and the shuttle stopped to avoid the accident,” the city said.

“Unfortunately, the truck did not stop and grazed the the shuttle.”

The Arma shuttle, made by French firm Navya, was taken out of service on what was the opening day of a year-long test program of autonomous service in Vegas.

Arma shuttles in a collaboration with the Keolis transport group are providing free rides along a route in downtown Las Vegas away from the casino-lined main strip.

Operators are on board to act more as hosts than drivers, according to a company spokesperson.

The programme, sponsored by the American Automobile Association (AAA), was billed as the US’ first self-driving public shuttle service.

“AAA will survey riders in order to understand why they remain wary of driverless technand whether a personal experience changes their perception,” the city said.

The Autonom Cab has no manual controls, and is capable of carrying as many as six passengers, according to the company.