Driverless Cars To Eliminate Traffic Jams By 2030, Expert Says

Traffic jams are among the worst things in the world for most people, certainly for drivers. According to one expert, self-driving technology could be the answer to this massive global problem. It’s a timely pronouncement as well, with Uber set to finally be allowed to test its driverless fleet of cabs in San Francisco after applying for a permit.

Futurism recently spoke with Cathis Elmsäter-Svärd to talk about the impact of autonomous driving on the world’s economy and on the auto industry in general. Elmsäter-Svärd is both the Chairwoman of Drive Sweden and is involved with the Global Future Council on Mobility. This makes her an expert in traffic technology and has worked with similarly capable individuals who are invested in driverless technology.

Elmsäter-Svärd talked about how the adoption of driverless technology would make for a more efficient traffic system. Not only would it be possible to regulate which cars go where at what time, even parking spaces might also become considerably more streamlined.

“All of this should make urban transport work more efficiently, giving us fewer vehicles on the roads, cleaner air and less noise pollution,” Elmsäter-Svärd explained. “We’ll need fewer car parks, and they could become green areas or other facilities, making cities even more livable and likable.”

Uber could play a prominent role in making this happen as well if its goal of absolutely dominating the cab-hailing and carpooling market with a fleet of autonomous vehicles is anything to go by. The company already submitted its application to conduct tests in California after the state forced Uber out due to a disagreement on what does and doesn’t require proper permits, Fortune reports.

The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles also granted the company’s application as the government agency’s spokesperson Jessica Gonzalez confirmed. As such, Uber is now free to run its driverless cab tests as much as it wants.