Mark Ogbugo on How Autonomous Vehicles Can Change a City

Recently, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority along with the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization, JEA, and the Jax Chamber has announced a plan for a smart transportation system for Jacksonville. The project includes things like smart light poles and flood sensors in storm drains to help modernize and increase the efficiency of the city. One of the highlights of this new smart city is the plan to introduce autonomous vehicles to the city. Jacksonville plans to have 15 autonomous shuttles that will replace the monorail. How will these new shuttles change the city as well as the way of life in Jacksonville?

Car Ownership

With the increase of driverless vehicles appearing on the street, it may become more convenient and cost-effective for people not to own a car. Autonomous shuttles or other forms of public transportation could become the norm, therefore, decreasing the need to own a costly vehicle. Although this could be good for consumers wallets, it may lead to increased traffic as there will be many different types of transportation services on the road along with those who decided to purchase their own autonomous vehicle.

Roads

Driverless vehicles will probably change the way streets are used and developed. Autonomous cars are less likely to be in an accident, making the need for bigger and wider roads decrease. When planning cities and roads, people will become the focus of designs, not cars. There could be less of a need for huge parking lots, allowing space to be dedicated to pedestrians and bicyclists. People may become more inclined to take up other modes of transportation as roads become safer for all.

The Commute

People move into cities to be closer to their job and to reduce the amount of travel time. Driving is a huge stressor for people, especially those who drive to work. Traffic, unexpected delays, and accidents make commuting by car tiring. Driverless vehicles can reduce the chances of experiencing these things, making a long commute more bearable. People won’t have to pay attention during their commute and could catch up on sleep or a show, or even get some work done. Although this may lead some people to move out of cities, it could also make others choose to move in. The city would become more accessible for people to walk or bike to work.