New Mobilities: Smart Planning for Emerging Transportation Technologies

New transportation technologies and services are coming online faster than ever. Micromodes, bike- and car-sharing, ridehailing, electric and autonomous vehicles, public transit innovations, air taxis (flying cars), tunnel roads, telework, pneumatic tube transport, mobility prioritization and logistics management are all under development or becoming commercially available. How should communities prepare? Which New Mobilities should be mandated, encouraged, regulated, restricted, or forbidden?

While many of these emerging technologies can help to expand our world and provide benefits, they need to be evaluated critically. In a recent Eno Foundation webinar, Todd Litman, author of the book New Mobilities: Smart Planning for Emerging Transportation Technologies, described and evaluated 12 emerging transportation modes and services. Litman summarized their benefits, costs and equity impacts, and discussed some often overlooked challenges.

For example, when should transportation agencies dedicate special lanes to allow autonomous vehicles to platoon (drive close together at relatively high speeds), and how much should users pay for the privilege? How much should governments subsidize electric vehicles? Will New Mobilities increase or reduce traffic problems? How should planners address these questions?

The webinar video and slideshow are now available free at the Eno Foundation website.