Autonomous Vehicles
Like many states across the country, Virginia is preparing for a future where automobiles are self-driving, or autonomous. Several auto manufacturers have stated they plan to produce Level 4 (fully autonomous) vehicles by 2021. Outgoing Gov. Terry McAuliffe put strong support behind companies pursuing autonomous vehicle technology within the Commonwealth, while the Virginia Department of Transportation is actively testing self-driving vehicles on highways in addition to road testing performed by Virginia Tech and other start-ups. Gov. Ralph Northam has signaled similar priorities.
AVs present questions and opportunities to address at this moment, rather than when these vehicles are commonly available. It is the position of the Greater Richmond Age Wave that beyond the changing landscape of what consumers will be able to buy at car dealerships, AV tech presents opportunities to address critical transportation needs for older adults, those who cannot afford personal vehicles, and those with different ability levels that may prevent traditional driving.
This new technology presents cost-effective and innovative ways to approach gaps in mass transit:
Richmond’s soon-to-open Bus Rapid Transit makes the city an ideal proving ground for a connecting service that utilizes AVs. We believe such vehicles could be used to aid bus drivers and other personnel rather than replace them. Given the increasing attention paid to AVs in the General Assembly, the presence of lobbying interests such as the Unmanned Systems Association of Virginia, and VDOT’s continued testing, Age Wave would like to pursue opportunities that encourage policy makers and manufacturers to consider the revolutionary possibilities this technology could provide.
Further, Age Wave believes that along with the coming AV revolution, Richmond has an opportunity to lessen the overall number of vehicles on the road. This, of course, would drastically increase pedestrian safety for all. In the interim period before AVs become common, Age Wave encourages local governments in the Richmond region to adopt “Vision Zero,” a policy program that moves localities toward a goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities. Cities across the country (including the City of Richmond) have declared their intention to work toward “Vision Zero,” and the Greater Richmond region has the opportunity to make an important statement that it values the lives of its residents above all other considerations.
AVs present questions and opportunities to address at this moment, rather than when these vehicles are commonly available. It is the position of the Greater Richmond Age Wave that beyond the changing landscape of what consumers will be able to buy at car dealerships, AV tech presents opportunities to address critical transportation needs for older adults, those who cannot afford personal vehicles, and those with different ability levels that may prevent traditional driving.
This new technology presents cost-effective and innovative ways to approach gaps in mass transit:
- Self-driving mini-shuttles already being used in Europe can connect riders who live too far beyond bus stops to walk there comfortably (“first-mile/last-mile” service).
- AVs could also provide specialized, point-to-point, service for riders who otherwise cannot use current public transit options.
Richmond’s soon-to-open Bus Rapid Transit makes the city an ideal proving ground for a connecting service that utilizes AVs. We believe such vehicles could be used to aid bus drivers and other personnel rather than replace them. Given the increasing attention paid to AVs in the General Assembly, the presence of lobbying interests such as the Unmanned Systems Association of Virginia, and VDOT’s continued testing, Age Wave would like to pursue opportunities that encourage policy makers and manufacturers to consider the revolutionary possibilities this technology could provide.
Further, Age Wave believes that along with the coming AV revolution, Richmond has an opportunity to lessen the overall number of vehicles on the road. This, of course, would drastically increase pedestrian safety for all. In the interim period before AVs become common, Age Wave encourages local governments in the Richmond region to adopt “Vision Zero,” a policy program that moves localities toward a goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities. Cities across the country (including the City of Richmond) have declared their intention to work toward “Vision Zero,” and the Greater Richmond region has the opportunity to make an important statement that it values the lives of its residents above all other considerations.
