A Systemic View on Autonomous Vehicles: Policy Aspects for a Sustainable Transportation Planning. Issue 3 (3rd July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bahamonde-Birke, Francisco J.; Kickhöfer, Benjamin; Heinrichs, Dirk; Kuhnimhof, Tobias
• Is Part Of: DISP. Volume 54:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2018-07-03
• Subjects: Land use -- Planning -- Periodicals; Land use -- Switzerland -- Planning -- Periodicals; Urbanisme -- Périodiques; Architecture du paysage -- Périodiques; Aménagement du territoire -- Périodiques; City planning; Land use -- Planning; Regional planning; Switzerland; Periodicals; 352.79
• DOI: 10.1080/02513625.2018.1525197
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0251-3625

Abstract

Abstract: Over the past few years, many studies have provided detailed descriptions of the potential benefits associated with the introduction of autonomous vehicles, such as improvements in traffic flows, local and global emissions, traffic safety, cost efficiency of public and privatetransport operations, etc. Additionally, the mobilization of mobility-impaired people and the independent car use of travelers without a driver's license have been identified as potentialbenefits for users. However, merely estimating the benefits of these direct (or first-order) ef fects is unlikely to show the full picture of the consequences that will emerge once autonomous vehicles enter the roads. In this paper, we therefore put emphasis on discussing systemic (or second-order) effects. The paper presents a conceptual exploration of these effects based on literature and research findings to date. Weshow that these systemic effects have the poten tial – especially in urban areas and without adequate policy intervention – to eliminate at least some of the benefits initially associated with autonomous vehicles. Following this systemic view on autonomous vehicles, we discuss policy aspects for responsible authorities and planners on how to prepare transportation systems forthe challenges related to the introduction of au tonomous vehicles, and conclude with areas of research that seem highly important in terms of further investigation in this context.