Page 9 - Newcom

News Briefs
Ontario to pilot
self-driving trucks
Ontario is taking a step toward modern-
izing its transportation sector by intro-
ducing a new Automated Commercial
Motor Vehicle (ACMV) pilot program.
This 10-year pilot aims to test automated
commercial vehicles on Ontario roads
before the province makes a decision on
the wider rollout of autonomous trucks
across the province.
The program, which applies to trucks
weighing more than 4,500 kg, builds
on the success of the 2016 Automated
Vehicle Pilot Project, which focused on
non-commercial vehicles. The ACMV pilot
will focus on evaluating the capabilities
and safety of heavy-duty commercial vehi-
cles with SAE Level 3, 4, or 5 automation.
Throughout the 10-year pilot, the
Ministry of Transportation (MTO) says
it will collect and evaluate data from
on-road testing of ACMVs, engage
­ stakeholders, and amend the pilot
Autonomous trucks will be permitted on Ontario
highways as part of a pilot project. (Photo: Gatik)
­ framework as necessary.
The ACMV pilot uses a structured,
phased approach for testing vehicles with
varying levels of automation, the province
says. In Stream 1, SAE Level 3 vehicles
can operate autonomously under limited
conditions, but a driver must be present
to intervene if necessary. Stream 2 (Levels
4 and 5 automation) involves testing vehi-
cles capable of full autonomy, where Level
5 vehicles can operate without human
intervention in all conditions.
According to the proposal, all initial
testing will be supervised, requiring a
driver to be present. As the pilot progress-
es and safety benchmarks are met, the
program will eventually allow for driver-
less testing. TT
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