‘I don’t feel safe,’ blasts travelers after self-driving shuttles come to popular airport – they want ‘human judgment’

AIRPORT customers have mixed feelings about an autonomous shuttle service at one of the busiest airports in the country.

The goal of the service is to reduce traveler wait time and improve traffic flow.

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New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport is collaborating with Port Authority, an autonomous vehicle company, to test driverless shuttles.

The airport is the sixth busiest airport in the country, and the busiest out of all New York airports, Travel and Leisure reported.

Two shuttles are collecting data for the company, and can each fit nine passengers and their luggage.

The testing period will be from Monday through Friday between 8 am to noon.

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During the testing period, the shuttles are limited to a top speed of 9 mph and are equipped with "Light-AR" technology that can determine paths and prepare to slow down or stop when something is close to the AV.

Leo Tsang, the principal transit planner for the company in both New York and New Jersey, said the technology allows for a complete view.

"We have three of them on each end, so it makes sure that we see 360," he told CBS News.

Seth Wainer, the Innovation Program director for Port Authority, has high hopes for the pilot program.

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"We want this to be very exciting for your first ride and very boring for your second ride," he said.

Responding to concerns about job loss, the company reported that shuttle drivers will remain in the shuttles as a safety precaution and can take control at any point.

After testing, should it prove successful, drivers can control the AV remotely if necessary.

"This puts us squarely in the position to provide more service with the same staff," Wainer said.

Lionell Russel was a shuttle driver for the airport and doesn't think drivers should be worried.

"It's the same thing," Russell said.

"It's not taking away. It's actually an addition."

Some travelers, though, told reporters they had mixed feelings about AVs driving them around the airport without a driver.

"I think that we're kind of seeing the future right now," said Olivia Soto, a Somers resident.

"I don't know if I'd be comfortable with it."

Another traveler said they simply don't trust the inhumanness of the AV.

"I prefer human judgment," she said.

Emanuel Yacab, a traveler from Poughkeepsie, is familiar with AVs after using Waymo to get around.

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While it takes some getting used to, the technology proved safe.

"A little frightening sometimes at first when you're not used to it, but I've come to trust technology," Yacab said.