Thanks for your response, Robin! Definitely yes: Vivid neighborhoods with work, home, and entertainment all in walking distance are what we should aim for.

Unfortunately, these places are scarce and costs for housing in these areas have increased tremendously in the last couple of years. For everyone who can’t afford to live here, AVs will make it possible to enjoy an urban life style while living in less pricey neighborhoods. You won’t even have to worry about how to get home after a few drinks and a night out! To add to this: While some people love living in central locations, many prefer living in quieter neighborhoods. AVs will give them the opportunity to combine both: Living in a quiet area and at the same time enjoying the benefits of a city-life. I’m afraid that AVs will promote the unsustainable city structures we have today, with affordable living spaces moving more and more out of the city, work and pleasure being concentrated in city centers, and a large number of people commuting in between.

Also, we often hear that AVs make travel quicker and more efficient. If that’s true, you’d be able to cover larger distances in the same time — and even with steady commute times we’d end up with more vehicle miles traveled…