It's not all free flowing commutes and world peace in an autonomous vehicle-filled future.
A new study published by the Union of Concerned Scientists points out the potential negative outcomes of self-driving car technology, and lists policies that could ensure benefits for more people.
The potential negative outcomes are pretty bad, however, including worsening congestion and increasing inequality.
Dan Robitzski shares news of the study in an article for futurism, and here's his summary of the potential negative outcomes of massive adoption of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology: "Ultimately, the research suggests that introducing autonomous vehicles to the area would increase traffic by 66 percent, and that the added congestion would likely benefit the wealthy and take opportunities away from low-income communities."
The report includes a number of recommendations that could help mitigate these potential negative outcomes, including pooling rides (potentially by fining single-passenger trips) and investing in public transit that can avoid the new congestion induced by AVs.
FULL STORY: Scientists Warn Self-Driving Cars Could Worsen Inequality
Study Finds a Way to Duplicate the Effect of Self-Driving Cars: Chauffeurs
A small group of test subjects, enabled with the use of a chauffeur, increased driving distances by a collective 83 percent.
Three Studies That Show Density Doesn't Determine Car Travel
Thirty years after a seminal study attempted to connect increased density with decreased automobile use, several new studies are raising doubts about that central assumption of contemporary planning.
New Global Survey of the Ethics of Autonomous Vehicles
A paper published in the journal Nature reveals the findings of a survey of 2 million people in 200 countries on the ethics of the "trolley problem" as applied to self-driving cars.
How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning
An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.
Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs
When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.
Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’
Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.
E-diggers Pave Way for Cleaner, Greener, Quieter London
London power workers are trialing zero-emission electric diggers that remove more than 200 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 75% of noise pollution from their work in the capital.
While California Fires Burn On, Residents Take on Rent Gouging
Residents have already seen online listings skyrocketing in price—despite laws against such hikes. With fires still raging, LA and Pasadena tenants are demanding protections against rent raises and eviction.
San Diego Housing Assistance, Homelessness Programs Facing Major Cuts
Programs supported by federal and state programs are on the brink of losing funding, putting thousands of homeless and at-risk residents in jeopardy.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
M-NCPPC Prince George's County Planning Department
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service