University of Wisconsin–Madison

Autonomous Vehicle Heaven or Hell? Creating a Transportation Revolution That Benefits All

Type Policy Brief or Report
Year 2019
Level City or Town, County, Other Boards and Agencies
State(s) California
Policy Areas Community Development, Public Spaces, Transportation & Mobility
Three transportation revolutions—electrification, vehicle sharing, and autonomous (self-driving) vehicles—are poised to transform our entire transportation system, impacting everything from how people move and the shape of our communities to the livelihoods of millions now employed in driving jobs. This report seeks to chart a path away from personally-owned autonomous vehicles and instead establish a vision and a path towards a “heaven” scenario that improves mobility for all people, reduces air pollution, and increases economic opportunities, particularly for marginalized populations. In a “heaven” future, all people will have access to fleets of autonomous vehicles that are electric and shared, known as FAVES, that replace the need for personal vehicle ownership. In this equitable and sustainable vision, we must continue to prioritize walking, biking, and public transit—still the healthiest, most sustainable alternatives—over FAVES and all other autonomous vehicles, to the maximum extent possible. To get there, we must put marginalized people first, reclaim our streets for people and not cars, and utilize this autonomous vehicle revolution as a tool to address the transportation, environment, and economic injustices of the past.

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