For 50 years, American geography and land use has been centered on the personal car. The three revolutions in vehicle sharing, automation and electrification present new challenges and also great opportunities for land use and transportation planners. Absent policy reform, the three revolutions may contribute to more sprawl, but a sustainable planning approach that supports both higher-density development and lower single-occupant (or zero-occupant) driving can once again put people first rather than their cars.

Key findings

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If automation technologies are deployed in an unfettered market setting, reductions in trip time and cost will likely increase single-occupant (and potentially zero-occupant) vehicle travel, increase trip distances and shift trips away from transit.

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Street level pick-up and drop-off design, parking, roadway funding models, will soon require updating as multimodal shared mobility services gain mode share.

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Widespread adoption of electric vehicles may contribute to changing land use patterns and driving behaviors among electric vehicle users.

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