About This Project

Autonomous vehicles have the potential of reshaping cities. But regional transportation plans seldom mention this technology, perhaps because of the speed at which this technology is developing and the planners' lack of familiarity. We will survey planners to assess their current knowledge and education needs. Unless planners have an adequate understanding of the benefits, risks and requirements, the full potential of autonomous vehicles may not be realized.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Autonomous (fully automated, driverless) vehicle technologies are developing rapidly; motor vehicle manufacturers, as well as technology companies and academia, have made significant commitments to research in this area. There is still considerable uncertainty, however, about how the new technologies will be implemented, where implementation will first occur and how long it will take to complete the transition to a fully autonomous transportation system. Planners must begin now to create a built environment that will maximize the potential of the new technology. The streets designed and built today will be in use when the new technologies are being implemented, requiring new standards for rights-of-way, intersection design, parking requirements and densities.

What is the significance of this project?

While the development and implementation of autonomous vehicle technologies seems inevitable, the current level of understanding of the implications of this transportation revolution is limited. The transition to total reliance on autonomous vehicles will take five decades or more. Over this period, numerous decisions will be made by community and transportation planners that can facilitate or impede this transition. These include criteria for parking requirements, rite-of-way widths, density standards, as well as access management.

What are the goals of the project?

This project will assess the information and training needs of professional planners regarding the effects of autonomous vehicles in a variety of circumstances – new development, established cities and suburbs, and intercity highways. Its primary goal is to identify the most critical information gaps and the most effective means of addressing them. An additional goal is to heighten planners’ awareness of the potential impacts of widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles and what must be done to facilitate an effective and efficient transition.