Abstract
Transport planning in the twenty-first century is facing diversifying challenges. While there is some evidence that the car is lessening its hold on urban lives, desires for mobility unencumbered by the timetables or routes of others remain strong. Accordingly, there has also been unprecedented growth in non-car modes of travel that are able to mimic the independence offered by the private car. These include conventional modes, such as walking and cycling, but also new technologies, such as carsharing and motorised scooters. In this paper we explore whether and how urban transport planning in Australia is recognising and governing ‘autonomous mobility’. We begin by developing a conceptual model of autonomous mobility that identifies its core characteristics and present a typology of autonomous mobility that illustrates ways in which various transport modes (including cars, public transport, cycles, walking and newer alternatives) meet these characteristics. The paper then turns to an analysis of transport policy and asks: how is autonomous mobility being imagined and planned for in Australia? Focusing on the example of NSW, we suggest that though this planning continues to privilege the motor vehicle, some shifts toward recognising and encouraging newer modes as viable transport solutions can be identified in specific local government areas. The paper concludes with signposts for ways in which autonomous mobility can be better incorporated into mainstream transport policy.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | SOAC 2013 |
Subtitle of host publication | State of Australian Cities National Conference : Conference Proceedings and Powerpoint Presentations |
Editors | Kristian Ruming, Bill Randolph, Nicole Gurran |
Place of Publication | Sydney |
Publisher | SOAC |
Pages | 1-11 |
Number of pages | 11 |
ISBN (Print) | 1740440331 |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Event | State of Australian Cities Conference (6th : 2013) - Sydney, Australia Duration: 26 Nov 2013 → 29 Nov 2013 |
Conference
Conference | State of Australian Cities Conference (6th : 2013) |
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Country/Territory | Australia |
City | Sydney |
Period | 26/11/13 → 29/11/13 |