Consider the implications of zero-emission, self-driving cars, which are already being tested in prototype. With enlightened public policy, autonomous vehicles could replace most privately owned vehicles within a decade. If you can have any kind of vehicle (even a small two-wheeled conveyance) come to you when you need it, at less cost and with greater safety, you don’t need to own a car. Over 90% of the time, private cars are parked somewhere, taking up space and resources. If people don’t own cars, a smaller number of vehicles can be in near-constant circulation, thus reducing the overall numbers by 80-90%. This would allow us to convert most parking spaces and garages to more useful and attractive uses. We could also pedestrianize more streets and convert on-street parking lanes into medians for street trees and wider sidewalks. Continue reading
