What is the Autonomous vehicles and urban mobility?
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Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Mobility
Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles in Urban Mobility
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are poised to revolutionize urban mobility by integrating advanced driving technologies with sustainable transportation initiatives. These vehicles, which operate without human intervention, promise to reshape how cities function, impacting everything from traffic congestion to urban planning and environmental sustainability.
Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs) and On-Demand Mobility
Shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) are a critical component of on-demand mobility services, offering dynamic ridesharing that can significantly reduce fleet sizes, congestion, travel costs, parking demand, vehicle ownership, and emissions1. The full electrification of SAV fleets, powered by renewable energy, can further enhance these positive environmental outcomes1. By integrating SAVs into smart urban mobility systems, cities can promote sustainability and social equity in transportation1.
Electric Autonomous Vehicles and Sustainable Urban Mobility
The transition to electric autonomous vehicles (EAVs) is essential for sustainable urban mobility. EAVs combine the benefits of electric vehicles with autonomous driving technology, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering emissions2. However, the transition requires careful planning and infrastructure development to support widespread adoption. Research indicates that while the advantages of EAVs are well-documented, there is a need for more studies on their integration into urban logistics and the broader urban mobility system2.
Impact on Urban Infrastructure and Land Use
The deployment of AVs will have profound effects on urban infrastructure and land use. AVs can potentially reduce the need for parking spaces, freeing up land for other uses and transforming urban landscapes4. Additionally, AVs could influence urban sprawl by making longer commutes more tolerable, although this could either increase or decrease urban density depending on various factors4. The design of road infrastructure, including intersections and road markings, will need to be updated to accommodate AVs8.
Policy and Planning for Autonomous Vehicles
Urban governance plays a crucial role in the successful deployment of AVs. Cities must adopt comprehensive policies that address the regulatory, social, and economic impacts of AVs9. Effective governance involves cities acting as regulators, mediators, data catalysts, and promoters to ensure the safe and equitable integration of AVs into urban mobility systems9. Examples from cities like Pittsburgh and Boston illustrate different approaches to AV governance, highlighting the importance of tailored strategies to local contexts9.
Autonomous Vehicles and Public Space Reclamation
The introduction of AVs offers an opportunity to reclaim public spaces for people. By reducing the need for extensive parking and road space, AVs can support urban models that prioritize active mobility, such as walking and cycling, and enhance green spaces10. However, this potential depends on strategic planning and design decisions that encourage shared use over private ownership and prioritize citizen-centered urban development10.
Conclusion
Autonomous vehicles are set to transform urban mobility, offering numerous benefits such as reduced congestion, lower emissions, and reclaimed public spaces. However, realizing these benefits requires careful planning, robust policy frameworks, and a focus on sustainability and equity. As cities prepare for the widespread adoption of AVs, they must address the challenges and opportunities presented by this technological shift to create smarter, more sustainable urban environments.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
The role of shared autonomous vehicle systems in delivering smart urban mobility: A systematic review of the literature
Shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) can significantly reduce urban congestion, emissions, and vehicle ownership, while promoting sustainability and transportation equity when integrated with dynamic ridesharing services.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedNew Paradigm of Sustainable Urban Mobility: Electric and Autonomous Vehicles—A Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Autonomous electric vehicles show promise for sustainable urban mobility, but more research is needed on planning the transition and their application in distribution logistics.
Systematic ReviewUnderstanding autonomous vehicles: A systematic literature review on capability, impact, planning and policy
Autonomous vehicles will disrupt urban mobility, and cities need to prepare for their arrival, even if wider adoption may take some time.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedThe Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Cities: A Review
Autonomous vehicles offer the potential to revolutionize urban life and city design, potentially reducing traffic congestion, attracting more residents to city centers, and potentially changing the design of road spaces.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedAutonomous vehicle experiments and the city
Autonomous vehicle trials in cities shape the material, political, and economic fabric, with four types of experimentation revealing diverse potentials for political transformation and shaping the city's "automobility."
Transitioning to a driverless city: Evaluating a hybrid system for autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles
A hybrid system of autonomous vehicles and human-driven vehicles can reduce average travel time and traffic space requirements in urban areas.
Where Are Autonomous Vehicles Taking Us?
Autonomous vehicles can offer both positive and negative impacts on urban society, with potential benefits including safety, reduced travel, and improved access for all, but their impact depends on people and policy.
Autonomous Vehicles: An Analysis Both on Their Distinctiveness and the Potential Impact on Urban Transport Systems
Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) will significantly impact urban transport systems, requiring new road markings and intersection designs to ensure safe vehicle detection and avoid vehicle wandering.
Autonomous Mobility: A Potential Opportunity to Reclaim Public Spaces for People
Autonomous vehicles can liberate urban space for people, but may also reduce active mobility and public transport use.
Literature Review