Autonomous Vehicles and Transit
In a recent interview, the CEO of Bridgestone Americas discussed the future of autonomous vehicles. Gordon Knapp noted that “it’s going to take a long time to reach that tipping point where we’re in this ‘autonomous mecca’”—and that the shift to driverless cars would likely “play out over decades.” He also noted that driverless vehicle technology might be adopted more quickly in the commercial context, such as mining. In addition, Mr. Knapp praised the transit plan proposed by the mayor of Nashville, TN and acknowledged that autonomous vehicles might not solve all transit issues. His comments raise the question: will the potential associated with the promise of a better auto transit experience dissuade investment in necessary infrastructure?
