The time to craft a comprehensive set of regulations governing safety, privacy, accessibility, and equity is now.

In an op-ed in Next City, Yonah Freemark argues that the United States urgently needs new regulations governing autonomous vehicles. Freemark outlines the potential benefits of AVs: improved safety, more time for commuters, expanded access to transportation. “But there’s no guarantee these benefits will be achieved,” Freemark continues.
A botched AV deployment could result in more pedestrians exposed to traffic crashes. AV camera systems — essential to allow these vehicles to navigate the streets — could invade peoples’ privacy. And AVs, like current ride-hailing services, could offer less equitable access to mobility for people with low incomes, while producing more traffic than ever.
Freemark points to new research from the Urban Institute that shows how federal, state, and local regulations can guide the rollout of AVs to maximize benefits and minimize harms. Important steps include comprehensive driving tests aimed specifically at autonomous cars, regulations around privacy, and minimum service requirements to ensure equitable distribution of commercial AVs like those used by ride-hailing companies.
FULL STORY: Without New Regulations, Self-Driving Cars Could Make Our Transportation System Even Worse

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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