Thousands of Utah self-driving taxis, buses envisioned by 2034 Olympics

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Before the last Utah Olympics in 2002, there was a push for TRAX and a massive expansion of I-15.

This time, a state lawmaker envisions self-driving taxis and buses — hundreds or even thousands of them on Utah roads — by the 2034 games.

Rep. Matt MacPherson, R-Salt Lake County, is asking for $10 million in state money for a pilot project for UDOT to begin leasing robotaxis.

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“I think if we can show a track record of safety … we can show our industry partners are meeting the requirements of the demands of our regulatory framework,” MacPherson said. “I would expect we would see this grow dramatically.”

He said Utah launched cutting-edge legislation on self-driving cars in 2018, but not much has happened since.

So, he’s coupling the $10 million budget request, which has not been prioritized, with a yet-to-be-released measure to better govern when someone is not behind the wheel.

Another plan at the Capitol would limit liability for self-driving car manufacturers.

MacPherson acknowledged that people are hesitant about robocars.

”Yes, absolutely,” he said. “I think it’s more hesitancy among those who have not had a chance to experience it or utilize it. I think most of the data that we’ve seen is that these autonomous systems are incredibly safer than human drivers.”

2News has covered demonstrations of self-driving vehicles, including an instance seven years ago where an older man was thrown from his seat and was hurt when the vehicle stopped.

McPherson said technology has advanced since then and is continuing to advance.

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