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AtomGalaxy t1_j48pr8c wrote

The deployment of low-speed shared autonomous minibuses, robotaxis, delivery/vending bots, and micromobility scooters and bikes that drive themselves back to charge points could greatly reduce the need for parking spaces in car-dependent areas.

This could free up large tracks of land currently devoted to parking and make it possible to repurpose it for other uses, such as affordable housing, parks, and retail. The reduced need for parking could also make it more feasible to build compact, walkable, and sustainable neighborhoods, which could help to reduce the environmental impact of urban areas. Furthermore, the increased use of shared autonomous vehicles could also reduce the number of cars on the road and decrease traffic congestion, leading to better air quality and shorter commute times.

People would walk more. Enjoy the outside more playing immersive video games with augmented reality glasses. Society is healthier and has more time to be creative. Progress speeds up even faster because we’re all working on what we really love and offering our unique problem solving contributions to the world.

And then, yeah, I agree with the other comment, AI politicians. We’re probably already there with capital flows from AI helping hedge funds and ETFs.

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hawkeye-in-tn t1_j49bqto wrote

I hate to sound like a pessimist because I totally want better, more walkable neighborhoods… but this idea of everyone giving up their cars is a long way away if ever. Everyone said 10 years ago that Uber would end car ownership because you had an Uber.

But what if you have kids in car seats? Do you want to lug those around or trust the drivers’? What if you live in a suburb and need to get to the airport at 5 am?

Again it’s probably what’s best for the environment but car ownership is so engrained in our culture and infrastructure it takes decades to change that. Here’s hoping I’m wrong

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swarowski_eth t1_j4ac258 wrote

Yes, it does take more than single digit amount of years for this to change. But younger generations, at least according to surveys, are already done with car ownership. They see no value in that.

Combined with some sort of governmental regulations, which will be driven by green/sustainable narrative, I have no doubts we are heading towards minimized car ownership.

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