The coming decade in autonomous cars and transportation could prove to be an exciting time. The ability of autonomous vehicles to operate safely out on the streets is seemingly improving by the day and at least two of the Domestic 3 automakers (Ford and GM) are investing in a big way in the technology, in addition to the work Uber and other companies are doing. Now comes the promise that driverless transportation may even be completely and totally free. "Summon a car and travel for nothing," as the linked article says.
There's just one little catch...
"But these prognostications miss what will be one of the biggest developments of all: In a world full of autonomous autos, transportation will become free. Not just hands-free, or driver-free, or go-wherever-you-want free. But free as in beer: complimentary, gratis. Summon a car and travel for nothing—that is, so long as you are willing to make a stop or two en route at sponsoring locations.
Picture a not-too-distant future where a trip across town is available to anyone who will spend 15 minutes in McDonald’s on the way. Not a fast-food fan? Then for you it’s Starbucks, a bookstore, the game parlor. Rides with a child stop at the Disney store, while teenage girls are routed via next decade’s version of Zara and H&M. Unlike today’s UberPool, with its roundabout routes and multiple passenger pickups, “UberFree” features tailor-made routes and thoughtfully targeted stops."
https://www.theatlantic.com/...945/?utm_source=feed
"Politics is just show business for ugly people."
There's just one little catch...
"But these prognostications miss what will be one of the biggest developments of all: In a world full of autonomous autos, transportation will become free. Not just hands-free, or driver-free, or go-wherever-you-want free. But free as in beer: complimentary, gratis. Summon a car and travel for nothing—that is, so long as you are willing to make a stop or two en route at sponsoring locations.
Picture a not-too-distant future where a trip across town is available to anyone who will spend 15 minutes in McDonald’s on the way. Not a fast-food fan? Then for you it’s Starbucks, a bookstore, the game parlor. Rides with a child stop at the Disney store, while teenage girls are routed via next decade’s version of Zara and H&M. Unlike today’s UberPool, with its roundabout routes and multiple passenger pickups, “UberFree” features tailor-made routes and thoughtfully targeted stops."
https://www.theatlantic.com/...945/?utm_source=feed
"Politics is just show business for ugly people."