Are Robotaxis Making Traffic Worse?
In a joint op-ed published in the San Francisco Chronicle, MIT professor Carlo Ratti and data scientist John Rossant express their concerns about the impact of robotaxis on American cities. They argue that ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have already proven to be a blight on urban traffic, and the introduction of robotaxis could exacerbate the problem.
The Negative Impact of Ridesharing
Ridesharing services have gained immense popularity in recent years, offering convenient and affordable transportation options. However, studies have shown that the proliferation of rideshare vehicles has contributed to increased traffic congestion in cities across the United States.
A study conducted by Fehr & Peers, a transportation consulting firm, found that ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are responsible for a significant increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in urban areas. This increase in VMT has led to more congestion on already crowded roads.
Furthermore, the availability of inexpensive rideshare options, such as Uber Pool, has encouraged more people to choose these services over public transportation or walking. As a result, there are more cars on the road, leading to increased traffic and longer commute times.
The Potential Impact of Robotaxis
Ratti and Rossant argue that the introduction of robotaxis, autonomous vehicles that operate as taxis, could further worsen traffic conditions. They believe that the convenience and affordability of robotaxis may lead to even more people opting for this mode of transportation, thereby increasing the number of vehicles on the road.
While robotaxis have the potential to reduce the number of privately owned vehicles and decrease parking demand, their widespread adoption could create new challenges. The authors point out that robotaxis may spend a significant amount of time driving around without passengers, contributing to unnecessary traffic congestion.
Additionally, the deployment of robotaxis could lead to a decrease in public transportation ridership. As more people choose the convenience of autonomous taxis, public transit systems may experience a decline in passengers, resulting in reduced funding and service quality.
Addressing the Issue
Ratti and Rossant propose several solutions to mitigate the potential negative impact of robotaxis on traffic congestion:
1. Implementing Efficient Routing Algorithms:
By utilizing advanced routing algorithms, robotaxis can optimize their routes and minimize empty driving. This would help reduce unnecessary traffic congestion caused by autonomous vehicles.
2. Encouraging Shared Rides:
Promoting shared rides in robotaxis, similar to Uber Pool, can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road. By incentivizing passengers to share rides with others heading in the same direction, cities can alleviate traffic congestion.
3. Investing in Public Transportation:
To prevent a decline in public transportation ridership, it is crucial to invest in improving and expanding existing transit systems. By providing reliable, efficient, and affordable public transportation options, cities can encourage people to choose public transit over autonomous taxis.
4. Implementing Congestion Pricing:
Introducing congestion pricing schemes can discourage unnecessary car trips and incentivize the use of alternative modes of transportation. By charging higher fees during peak hours or in congested areas, cities can manage traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Conclusion
While the potential benefits of robotaxis, such as reduced car ownership and parking demand, are promising, it is essential to address the potential negative impact on traffic congestion. Ratti and Rossant’s concerns about the blight of ridesharing services on American cities serve as a cautionary tale for the future of autonomous taxis. By implementing efficient routing algorithms, promoting shared rides, investing in public transportation, and implementing congestion pricing, cities can strive to minimize the adverse effects of robotaxis on traffic congestion and create a more sustainable urban transportation system.