While the first reason is "nice" and altruistic, I think it's cover for the second reason given below. In addition, how does the use of thermoplastic align with the recent G20 push to put a pact together halting the use of plastics?! There's a disconnect somewhere, because you can't halt the use of plastics while using it for the advancement of autonomous vehicles, which are part of various string-puller agendas.
first reason:
"“It’s embedded with reflective material so even as it wears, the lines remain reflective,” explains supervisor of traffic operations Laurens Campbell. “Crosswalk material also has what we call corundum on it, which is an anti-slip coating. So, it’s a little safer for pedestrians and in frosty conditions.”"
2nd reason:
"“The nice thing about thermoplastic versus paint is that it has a profile to it. So, autonomous vehicles, which are becoming more and more prevalent…the longer this stuff stays on the road the more benefit it is to some of those safety features of vehicles like lane departure,” notes Campbell."
https://www.castanet.net/news/....Kelowna/485388/Line-