$10m for more driverless car trials in NSW

The NSW government is setting up a fund for expanded trials of driverless vehicles, with $10 million to be made available over four years.

NSW could soon be home to more driverless cars, with the state government setting up a special $10 million fund for more trials of the technology.

The kitty, to be announced in Tuesday's state budget, will allow governments, universities, the private sector and start-ups to join forces and test driverless technologies in NSW's cities and regions.

"The future belongs to those who hear it coming, and this investment looks to harness the power of technology to improve lives across the state," Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said in a statement on Monday.

While it still might feel like something out of The Jetsons, the driverless vehicles are already being built and used around the world.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the technology will "change the playing field" and provide new opportunities for personalised transport services.

"The technology is here and we are going to make sure we are ready to embrace it," he said.

New laws were introduced in 2017 to allow trials of connected and automated vehicles in NSW.

The first trial under the legislation - a shuttle bus - has already begun at Sydney Olympic Park.

Transport for NSW will administer the fund, which will have $2.5 million a year over four years.


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Source: AAP



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