Policy and Regulatory Environment: Shared Automated Vehicles

This chapter examines the policy implications of shared automated vehicles (SAVs). It discusses the current state of automated vehicle (AV) and SAV policy in the United States (U.S.) and assesses possible future technology deployment and adoption scenarios. The discussion explores a variety of topics related to SAVs and recommends policy approaches regarding these topics. The authors examine shared mobility policies and developments to compare and contrast possible SAV approaches. The policy topics covered in this chapter include: (1) passenger safety; (2) data sharing; (3) mitigating for externalities, such as congestion, vehicle miles/ kilometres travelled (VMT/VKT), and emissions; (4) labour implications; (5) SAV ownership and business model considerations; (6) public transit and SAVs; and (7) policy options for federal, state, and local governments. The chapter also includes a four-phase transition framework for policymakers to consider the shift to privately owned AVs and SAVs. It is important to note that shifting travel behaviour toward pooling can be challenging due to a number of factors, such as personal safety, convenience, increased travel times, and personal preference. Further, there has been heightened concern about vehicle sharing due to the global pandemic and virus transmission. While the future of SAVs and policy approaches are uncertain, policies should be considered to effectively manage SAVs moving forward.