Insights on Autonomous Vehicle Policy from Early Adopter Cities and Regions

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are being widely tested and piloted to carry passengers and freight. However, the potential uses and impacts of AVs in communities are uncertain. There are claims that AVs may be able to improve road safety, make travel more convenient, lower shipping costs, and reduce the need for automobile parking. But there are also concerns that AVs may increase road congestion, reduce transit ridership, compete for curb space, and even increase urban sprawl. To better understanding how cities and regions are currently engaging with and planning for AVs, twenty interviews were conducted with individuals from “early adopter” public agencies across the U.S. who are involved in AV testing, regulation, and planning.  Interviews were supplemented by an extensive review of policy and planning documents. This policy brief highlights key findings from this research with more details available in the full report:  Autonomous Vehicles in the United States: Understanding Why and How Cities and Regions are Responding.