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Off The Buses: Driverless Robot Revolution Threatens Mass Cull Of Transport Jobs
WRITTEN BY: RT UK DECEMBER 29, 2015
Government plans to introduce driverless buses as part of a digital revolution could see Britain lead the way in new technology, but could also put tens of thousands of people out of work.
Culture and Digital Economy minister Ed Vaizey said a five-year digital strategy currently being drawn up will propose that robotic buses be launched across the country.
The plans will be part of a wider policy to force government departments to embrace the digital age in the same way private companies have. A Whitehall official told the Times it was a “cross-government” program. “It is about how we push the boundaries and make sure every bit of government is digital and policy is more digital.”
Speaking to the Times, Vaizey said the impact of the plans on people’s lives would be “profound” and cited positive outcomes such as improved healthcare from wearable smart technology.
However critics such as computer entrepreneur and author Martin Ford warn that if the introduction of automation in the economy is not handled carefully, it could lead to mass unemployment. In his recent book, “Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future,” Ford argues such a surge in unemployment could have disastrous consequences on the global economy.
London’s transportation system alone employees 27,000 bus drivers, according to Unite the Union, many of whom could be pushed out of work.
Off The Buses: Driverless Robot Revolution Threatens Mass Cull Of Transport Jobs
WRITTEN BY: RT UK DECEMBER 29, 2015
Government plans to introduce driverless buses as part of a digital revolution could see Britain lead the way in new technology, but could also put tens of thousands of people out of work.
Culture and Digital Economy minister Ed Vaizey said a five-year digital strategy currently being drawn up will propose that robotic buses be launched across the country.
The plans will be part of a wider policy to force government departments to embrace the digital age in the same way private companies have. A Whitehall official told the Times it was a “cross-government” program. “It is about how we push the boundaries and make sure every bit of government is digital and policy is more digital.”
Speaking to the Times, Vaizey said the impact of the plans on people’s lives would be “profound” and cited positive outcomes such as improved healthcare from wearable smart technology.
However critics such as computer entrepreneur and author Martin Ford warn that if the introduction of automation in the economy is not handled carefully, it could lead to mass unemployment. In his recent book, “Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future,” Ford argues such a surge in unemployment could have disastrous consequences on the global economy.
London’s transportation system alone employees 27,000 bus drivers, according to Unite the Union, many of whom could be pushed out of work.
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