I'd rather have driverless cars than not, and I'm optimistic they'll have big upsides. But I think you've massively understated the problems with driverless cars in cities, and even suburbs.
Without heavy road pricing—which I know you did suggest—cheaper taxis will mean more cars on the road, more congestion, lower revenues for public tra…
I'd rather have driverless cars than not, and I'm optimistic they'll have big upsides. But I think you've massively understated the problems with driverless cars in cities, and even suburbs.
Without heavy road pricing—which I know you did suggest—cheaper taxis will mean more cars on the road, more congestion, lower revenues for public transport, and a less pleasant urban environment.
Unfortunately I think the best-case scenario for driverless cars in cities is that taxis remain the preserve of the well off. Because either we correctly price the externalities of cars, and charge passengers accordingly, or we don't, and everyone bears the cost.
On a positive note: I'm fairly hopeful that public hostility towards driverless cars will give governments cover to introduce road pricing for them without the usual political backlash.
I'd rather have driverless cars than not, and I'm optimistic they'll have big upsides. But I think you've massively understated the problems with driverless cars in cities, and even suburbs.
Without heavy road pricing—which I know you did suggest—cheaper taxis will mean more cars on the road, more congestion, lower revenues for public transport, and a less pleasant urban environment.
Unfortunately I think the best-case scenario for driverless cars in cities is that taxis remain the preserve of the well off. Because either we correctly price the externalities of cars, and charge passengers accordingly, or we don't, and everyone bears the cost.
On a positive note: I'm fairly hopeful that public hostility towards driverless cars will give governments cover to introduce road pricing for them without the usual political backlash.