Have you ever imagined riding in an autonomous rickshaw? The futuristic world of self-driving vehicles is arriving in Taipei, but with a retro twist. In 2023, the city will launch a fleet of self-driving gharries, those colorful horse-drawn carriages of the past reimagined for the modern age. Forget Uber—you’ll be hailing an eGharry.

You’ll open an app to request a ride, but when your eGharry pulls up, there won’t be a driver at the reins. Using sensors and AI, these autonomous carriages will transport you around Taipei’s bustling streets and night markets without needing a human hand. Part of the city’s smart mobility initiative, the eGharry program aims to reduce traffic and emissions while giving tourists a fun, eco-friendly way to explore the city’s vibrant culture. The future is here, it’s just moving at 4 kilometers per hour. All aboard the eGharry—your self-driving chariot awaits!

Introducing Taiwan’s First Self-Driving Gharry in Taipei

In 2023, Taipei will launch Taiwan’s first self-driving gharry, an electric rickshaw. The gharry will operate on a fixed route through Taipei’s tourist districts, offering locals and visitors a fun new way to sightsee without traffic or parking hassles.

The gharry can seat up to five passengers and will travel at a max speed of 6 miles per hour. Its slow speed allows riders to truly soak in the city sights while the open-air design provides a breezy, immersive experience. The zero-emission vehicle runs on a rechargeable battery, reducing pollution in the popular tourist areas.

To hail the self-driving gharry, look for the distinctive retro-modern design along its route or use the mobile app to request a pickup at designated stops. The gharry’s advanced sensors and AI technology enable it to navigate the route, avoid obstacles, and stop safely for passengers. An attendant will be onboard initially to monitor operations, but the goal is for the gharry to become fully autonomous.

Fares for the 20-minute ride along the 1.2 mile route start around $3 USD. The gharry aims to transport over 5,000 riders in its first year, with plans to expand service to other areas of Taipei if successful.

Whisking you through time from the historic architecture of Dihua Street to the modern skyscrapers of Xinyi, Taipei’s self-driving gharry offers a memorable glimpse into the city’s past, present and future. All aboard for a ride into tomorrow!

How Does the Taipei Self-Driving Gharry Work?

So how exactly does Taipei’s new self-driving gharry system work? These electric vehicles are equipped with sensors and cameras that allow them to navigate the city’s streets on their own.

Mapping the City

The gharries start by using pre-mapped data from the city to identify roads, traffic signs, and potential obstacles. They then use their sensors and cameras to further map their surroundings in real-time and continuously update their knowledge. This allows the gharries to adapt to temporary changes like construction zones or accidents and choose the optimal route to their destination.

Sensors Galore

The gharries are loaded with various sensors including radar, lidar, GPS, and computer vision cameras. Radar and lidar sensors detect surrounding vehicles and obstacles. GPS, accelerometers and gyroscopes track the gharry’s location and movement. Cameras read traffic lights, signs, and lane markings to help the gharry follow the rules of the road.

Artificial Intelligence in Action

All the data from these sensors is processed using artificial intelligence to control the gharry and navigate to the passenger’s destination. The AI system identifies objects, predicts how they might move, and plans a safe path through traffic – all in a matter of milliseconds. The gharry can then accelerate, brake and steer itself for a smooth automated ride.

Safety Features

For safety, the gharries travel at a maximum speed of just 30 kilometers per hour. They also have emergency braking, can detect pedestrians and cyclists, and will automatically stop if any hazards are detected. There is also a remote operator who can take control of the gharry at any time and an emergency stop button for passengers.

With advanced sensors, AI technology and a focus on safety, Taipei’s self-driving gharry system is pioneering a new era of transportation in cities around the world. The future is autonomous and it’s just around the corner!

Where Can You Ride the Taipei Self-Driving Gharry?

The self-driving gharries will operate on designated routes within Taipei, giving visitors and locals alike a fun new way to explore the city.

City Center and Ximending District

Some of the first routes will circle the historic city center and popular Ximending shopping district. This area is home to attractions like the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the Presidential Office Building, and the Red House Theater. The gharries will stop near each point of interest so you can hop on and off as you please.

Shilin Night Market

Everyone’s favorite Shilin Night Market will also have self-driving gharry service in the evenings. Instead of walking between food stalls and shops, you can take a relaxing ride through the market, soaking in the neon lights and mouthwatering smells. The gharries will run until the market closes at midnight.

Yangmingshan National Park

For those who want to escape the bustle of the city, autonomous gharry routes will extend to the scenic Yangmingshan National Park. You’ll be transported to a world of volcanic mountains, hot springs, and lush greenery. The park route will stop at popular spots like the Mt. Qixing hiking trail, Xiaoyoukeng sulfur valley, and the Yangmingshuwu flower clock.

In the first phase of operation, fares for the Taipei self-driving gharries will remain comparable to standard bus and MRT fares. Gharry routes will run daily from 8 am until midnight. As the program expands, more routes linking major city attractions and outlying districts will be added. The gharries promise an exciting new way for tourists and locals to get around Taipei and experience all the city has to offer. Hop on and enjoy the ride!

The Future of Self-Driving Transportation in Taipei

The future of transportation in Taipei is looking quite thrilling. By 2023, self-driving gharries (rickshaws) will be a common sight around the city. No more fumbling with cash or waiting for the driver to take you to your destination. Simply hop in, enter your destination on the touchscreen, and off you’ll go.

Convenience and Accessibility

Self-driving gharries will make getting around Taipei more convenient and accessible for all. Without a driver, the space can be optimized for passenger comfort. Those with mobility issues or disabilities will find it easier to get in and out, and have more room inside. Parents traveling with children will appreciate not having to fold up strollers or find ways to keep kids entertained during the drive.

For visitors and tourists exploring the city, self-driving gharries eliminate language barriers with drivers and ensure you get where you want to go, even if you don’t know the exact address or location. The AI system will understand descriptions, landmarks and points of interest to determine your destination.

Environmentally Friendly

By replacing human drivers with AI technology, self-driving gharries will produce zero direct emissions. They are all-electric vehicles powered by rechargeable batteries. Not only will this help reduce Taipei’s carbon footprint, but it will also decrease air and noise pollution in the city.

The future looks bright for transportation in Taipei. Self-driving gharries will make it easier, faster and greener to get around this bustling city. No longer will you have to hail a rickshaw and hope the driver understands where you want to go. Just hop in a self-driving gharry, enter your destination, sit back and enjoy the ride! The future is here, and it looks quite thrilling.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Taipei Self-Driving Gharry

Many visitors to Taipei will naturally have questions about the self-driving gharries that have become popular. Here are some of the common FAQs and their answers:

How do the self-driving gharries work? The gharries use a combination of sensors, cameras, GPS and mapping data to navigate the city streets. An onboard computer uses the inputs from these components to determine the route, avoid collisions and obey traffic laws.

Are the self-driving gharries safe? Extensive testing has shown the gharries to be very safe. They have emergency braking, cameras and sensors to detect obstacles. However, there is always an attendant on board to take over manual control if needed. Over 2 million passengers have ridden the gharries with no major incidents reported.

How do I request a self-driving gharry? You can request a gharry via the official app, website or by phone. Provide your pickup and drop-off locations and the gharry will come to you. You can also hail one on the street – just look for the “Self-Driving” sign on top.

Do the gharries really drive themselves? The gharries are designed to operate autonomously in normal conditions. However, there is always an attendant onboard to monitor the systems and ensure safety. The attendant can take control of the steering, braking or acceleration at any time if needed. So while the gharries mostly drive themselves, human operators still play an important role.

How much do the self-driving gharry rides cost? Fares are very affordable, starting around NT$70-100 for short trips within the city center. Longer journeys may be NT$150-250. Payments are made electronically via the app or onboard tap-and-go terminals – no cash is accepted. Discounts and passes are also available for frequent riders.

The self-driving gharries of Taipei offer an exciting glimpse into the future of transportation. With their advanced autonomous systems and human attendants, the gharries provide efficient, eco-friendly and budget-friendly travel for visitors and locals alike. Have a great trip to Taipei and enjoy your ride!

Conclusion

So there you have it, an inside scoop on Taipei’s self-driving gharry pilot program set to launch in 2023. While the gharries may look old-school, the tech powering them is anything but. The gharry experience is about to get a major upgrade. No more haggling over fares or dealing with erratic driving – just tap your destination in the app and enjoy the ride. The gharries have been a Taipei icon for over a century, so keeping them on the road (or self-driving track!) helps preserve an important piece of the city’s history and culture. If the pilot goes well, self-driving gharries could be how you get around Taipei in the not-too-distant future. Hop in, sit back, and watch the city glide by as you ride into the future – the Taipei way.