Automated taxis, still a theoretical possibly, may have mixed effects on urban environments. In theory, automated taxis may encourage more vehicle travel as they could be an ultra-convenient mode of travel and shift people away from public transit, biking etc. However, automated taxis may also encourage people to sell their privately owned vehicles and hence decrease vehicle travel.



METHODOLOGY



Researchers at the Institute for Transport Planning and System at ETH Zürich investigated how automate taxis might impact travel patterns under current, real-world conditions. First, the research team estimated cost structures for automated taxis using prior research and current pricing information for vehicles and taxis in Zurich. Second, to understand user preferences for automated taxis, the research team surveyed 343 people in Zurich. The survey asked respondents basic demographic questions and then presented respondents with a series of travel scenarios with and without automated taxi options. Finally, the research team used the survey data and cost estimates to build out a series of activity-based transport simulations for Zurich with and without automated taxis.