Autonomous technology is developing quickly, but is still years from widespread adoption. At this juncture, cities today have a unique opportunity to shape an autonomous future that puts people at the core of all decision-making.
NACTO supports an autonomous future that enhances all aspects of cities’ transportation systems, from improving safety for all road users, re-balancing the use of the right-of-way, and expanding mobility for all. AVs have the potential to be a deeply impactful technology: they can either complement ongoing efforts to provide all people with sustainable, accessible, and affordable transportation; or they can undermine them. As AV technology continues to take shape, NACTO advocates for the following elements in any strong AV policy:
- Set and hold autonomous vehicles to defined safety standards
- Require data sharing between public and private partners
- Preserve local regulatory authority over all traffic operations on city streets