In The Verge, I explained why self-driving cars could be a disaster for climate change and road safety -- even if they work perfectly.
The answer lies in the Jevons paradox, a classic 19th century economic theory.
https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/2/24232386/self-driving-car-jevons-paradox-robotaxi-waymo-cruise
@davidzipper @lisamelton The article defines the problem, and yet provides no solution. No self-driving at all? The elderly and disabled would like a word.
The overall theme seems to head towards fewer personal transportation options in general. A laudable goal, but this leads to other issues in the short term where population density doesn’t support mass transit.
With no solutions it’s an easy way out. I blame the editor, not the author.
@bubbajet @davidzipper @lisamelton
When it comes to (sub)urban settings with low density, which are the main problem (current and potentially in the future, as the article says), the solution to provide as many as possible with mobility independence is clear and has been scientifically proven for a long time:
a simultaneous combination of 1. densification, 2. access to sustainable transport and 3. traffic restriction is the only way forward
@nissetingsvall @davidzipper @lisamelton Sure! Agree! Number 1 is the hardest and most pie-in-the-sky. Current US infrastructure is based on tens (hundreds?) of millions of single family homes on small-medium lots. I’ve seen (and can’t imagine) zero serious proposals to *actually* “densify” these areas where people *own* their homes.
It will take *decades* to get this done. Meantime, why not help the elderly and disabled?
David Zipper
bubbajet
nissetingsvall