In a groundbreaking demonstration of future mobility, Vay, a Berlin-based company specializing in remote car rentals, is making waves in Las Vegas with its unique service model.
The autonomous vehicles, such as the white Kia Nero electric car I experienced, showcase a bold step toward a car-less society.
In this innovative approach, customers can summon a vehicle to their location via the Vay app, drive themselves to their destination, and then watch as the car, without a driver, heads off to the next customer.
At a competitive rate of 35 cents per minute, this service is proving to be an economical alternative to traditional rideshare options.
My initial venture in this driverless experience was short yet exhilarating, as we circled around downtown Las Vegas without a person behind the wheel.
While we covered Main Street to Bonneville Avenue and back, the actual control was exercised by Yulieanna Duran, our remote driver, seated miles away at a sophisticated interactive driving station.
Duran’s expertise ensured that the vehicle adeptly navigated around obstacles like illegally parked cars, a reassurance to passengers who value human intervention in tricky situations.
“We’ve heard that from users several times, that it’s reassuring to know that human decision is involved in this,” said Silvia Avanzini, Vay’s head of communications.
This sentiment echoes through the streets of Las Vegas, where driverless technology is gradually being incorporated into the urban landscape.
The city has seen companies like Amazon subsidiary Zoox, Motional, and Waymo actively testing their autonomous vehicles, marking it as a primary testing ground for such innovations.
Vay’s co-founder and CEO, Thomas von der Ohe, acknowledges the welcoming environment that Las Vegas provides for tech companies focused on innovation and sustainability.
One prominent development is the ongoing construction of a bus rapid transit line by the Regional Transportation Commission, connecting vital locations throughout the metropolitan area.
This includes stops at significant landmarks such as hospitals, UNLV, and the airport, facilitating enhanced public transportation options.
Furthermore, the Boring Company’s underground Loop connects various resorts, indicating a transformative shift in how transportation is envisioned in the city.
Looking ahead, the anticipated Brightline high-speed rail line will introduce even more car-less visitors, attending events and festivals while utilizing shared transport systems to navigate the city.
This evolving transportation ecosystem will inevitably highlight the necessity for efficient last-mile solutions, where autonomous vehicles can step in as a required service.
David Swallow, deputy CEO of the RTC, foresees a scenario where autonomous vehicles align with the city’s existing transit system to enable seamless transportation experiences.
This approach could serve to bridge gaps in accessibility for individuals without personal vehicles.
Swallow further elaborated on an upcoming initiative, GoMed, which will introduce an automated shuttle bus within the Las Vegas Medical District.
The service aims to enhance connectivity in the area, offering a continuous means of transport for passengers arriving via express buses.
Autonomous vehicles have the potential to reshape and optimize the transit landscape in Las Vegas.
They could operate on set routes, maximizing efficiency by handling on-demand requests to ensure more effective use of resources.
The conversation around AVs also includes significant benefits for residents, particularly seniors who wish to maintain mobility without the burdens associated with car ownership.
While some may be initially skeptical of entering an empty vehicle, the technology backing these systems is rapidly advancing.
Yulieanna Duran provides significant insight into the technology behind her remote driving station, which includes multiple monitors offering a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
Safety remains a primary focus, with provisions like an emergency stop button ensuring passenger security at all times.
The presence of a safety driver for future AV initiatives like GoMed is another step toward easing public concerns about the reliability of driverless transport.
Despite ongoing improvements in autonomous technology, a lingering barrier remains: public perception.
Many still favor human oversight, feeling more secure when a person is in control.
The stakes for both public safety and the industry’s reputation are high, especially considering media narratives that often focus on failures rather than successes.
While human drivers may make mistakes, there is a prevailing belief that the advancements in AV technology could soon lead to safer driving outcomes overall.
As the infrastructure evolves and services like Vay and Zoox take root, there’s hope for a future where autonomous vehicles become vital components of Las Vegas’s transport network.
Efforts are underway to cultivate a culture that embraces AVs as a legitimate and sustainable alternative to personal vehicle ownership, especially in a sprawling city like Las Vegas.
The journey toward a car-less Las Vegas might be gradual, but the potential transformations in transportation infrastructure are promising.
This progressive shift signals a bright future for mobility, which Vay and its compatriots are actively shaping.
With careful integration and ongoing commitment to safety and innovation, Las Vegas stands on the verge of redefining urban mobility for generations to come.
image source from：lasvegasweekly
