As Nevada becomes the first state in the country to approve self-driving cars, Robert Bruegmann considers what changes to the built environment driverless cars could have.
The recently approved regulations allowing for the operation of self-driving vehicles on Nevada's roadways is a milestone in the rise of the driverless car, which are 'surely the future of automobiles," according to Department of Motor Vehicles director Bruce Breslow.
Drawing a connection between this revolution in personal transportation with other breakthroughs in transportation technology such as the railroad and the airplane, Bruegmann wonders if self-driving cars will lead to, "more dispersed, lower-density settlement patterns in almost every urban area in the world," as have prior innovations. While this outcome may seem likely, as congestion is reduced, it is by no means inevitable, claims Bruegmann.
"Given the large amount of space devoted to roads and parking in American cities, even minor increases in collective use of vehicles could lead to less need for new pavement and parking and to higher residential and commercial densities. This would reinforce a trend that is already visible, as new development at the far suburban edge of most urban regions is currently being created at higher densities than in the past and there is a great deal of infill in city centers and close-in suburbs."
The expected impact of the driverless car on the built environment is far from settled, but it is certain to erode the boundaries between public and private transportation.
FULL STORY: Driverless Car Could Defy the Rules of Sprawl: Robert Bruegmann
As a Driverless Future Dawns, Should We Still Build Parking?
No one is really sure how many parking spots the United States contains, but estimates stretch up to 2 billion.
On the Self-Driving Car's Taste in Maps
The navigational software of successful driverless cars will make Google Maps seem like child's play. But can such a system replace or improve upon human instinct and adaptability?
Seattle's Plan for Adopting Driverless Cars
Equity, safety, accessibility and affordability are front of mind as the city prepares for robotaxis and other autonomous vehicles.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie