METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Google autonomous car strikes Calif. city bus

The vehicle and the test driver "believed the bus would slow or allow the Google (autonomous vehicle) to continue." Google said in the filing the autonomous vehicle was traveling at less than 2 miles per hour, while the bus was moving at about 15 miles per hour.

March 1, 2016
Google autonomous car strikes Calif. city bus

Roman Boed

1 min to read


Roman Boed

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Alphabet Inc.'s Google said it bears "some responsibility" after one of its self-driving cars struck a municipal bus in a minor crash earlier this month, Reuters reports.

In a Feb. 23 report filed with California regulators, Google said the crash took place in Mountain View on Feb. 14 when a self-driving Lexus RX450h sought to get around some sandbags in a wide lane. The vehicle and the test driver "believed the bus would slow or allow the Google (autonomous vehicle) to continue." Google said in the filing the autonomous vehicle was traveling at less than 2 miles per hour, while the bus was moving at about 15 miles per hour.

Ad Loading...

The crash may be the first case of one of its autonomous cars hitting another vehicle and the fault of the self-driving car. The Mountain View, California-based Internet search leader said it made changes to its software after the crash to avoid future incidents. For the full story, click here.

To view the DMV report, click here.

More New Mobility

Gray and white ZAVIR medium-duty shuttle concepts shown side by side with the ZAVIR logo above them.
New Mobility•by Staff and News Reports•October 5, 2026

ENC Unveils ZAVIR Medium-Duty Electric Shuttle at APTA EXPO

The new ZAVIR brand targets shuttle and paratransit operations with battery-electric and range-extended electric vehicle options.

Read More →
Help Shape the 2027 Public Transit Conference
Management•by Alex Roman•September 29, 2026

Public Transit Conference Returning to GFX in 2027, Call for Papers Now Open

The Call for Papers is now open, allowing transit agency professionals and industry experts to help shape the PTC educational program by submitting session ideas for consideration.

Read More →
Everett Transit and Community Transit buses
Management•by Alex Roman•September 23, 2026

Everett Transit, Community Transit Outline Consolidation Agreement

The proposed agreement calls for a 50% increase in bus service in Everett, a new microtransit zone, continued paratransit service, and the transfer of Everett Transit operations to Community Transit.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A passenger loads a bicycle onto the front bike rack of a VTA transit bus stopped along a city street.
New Mobility•by Elora Haynes•September 22, 2026

What Multimodal Data Can Tell Transit Agencies About Rider Demand

See how bike-on-bus data is giving transit agencies new insight into rider demand, capacity constraints, and gaps in first- and last-mile connections.

Read More →
Luminator Charts a New Digital Path
Technology•by Alex Roman•September 14, 2026

From Hardware to Digital Partner: Luminator Charts Its Next Chapter

CEO Magnus Friberg discusses Luminator’s shift toward becoming a digital partner, the growing importance of software and interoperability, and how AI can help agencies improve operations and passenger experience.

Read More →
Rendering of an Alstom train in a VIA Rail Station
Technology•by Alex Roman•September 10, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A CharterUP branded Holon AV.
Technology•by Alex Roman•August 28, 2026

CharterUP’s Armir Harris on Technology, AI, and the Future of Group Mobility

In a recent episode of METROspectives, CharterUP Founder/CEO Armir Harris discussed the company’s evolution from an online charter bus marketplace into a technology platform supporting public- and private-sector mobility and much more.

Read More →
The Future Hits the Road
Technology•by Alex Roman•August 17, 2026

Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation

Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.

Read More →
Luminator software product example
Technology•by Staff and News Reports•August 14, 2026

Biz Briefs: Luminator Marks Milestone and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An LA Metro bus and railcar.
New Mobility•by Alex Roman•August 7, 2026

New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick

Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.

Read More →