New Jersey Self-driving technology will be tested on some NJ buses Greg Mocker 7:31 – WPIX 11 New York

LINCOLN TUNNEL Autonomous self-driving technology is moving ahead at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The agency approved a contract and project to design and test some autonomous components.

The technology on buses would hopefully allow buses to travel closer together, speed up travel, increase tunnel capacity and avoid crashes.

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton called this a first step and emphasized the fact that drivers will continue to operate buses.

The board authorized the project and will spend $4.3 million. Another $500,000 will be used to install sensors.

Two vendors will design and test systems that would allow buses to travel closer together along the 2.5 mile XBL. The exclusive bus lane runs from the NJ Turnpike and Route 3 to the tunnel during the weekday morning rush.

From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays. 1,850 buses travel through the tunnel.

The Port Authority is working with NJ Transit and the state.

Six buses would be outfitted with the technology and would first be tested on a closed course. That phase is expected to be occur in 2020.

Later tests would include travel along the XBL and through the tunnel to the bus terminal.

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New Jersey Self-driving technology will be tested on some NJ buses Greg Mocker 7:31 - WPIX 11 New York