Future Transport and the Internet of People

Abstract

Urban transportation methods are discussed from pre-history to possible future systems. Traditional developments have given advantages of distance, speed and cost of ownership but it is proposed that, until recently, there has been minimal innovation in over a hundred years. Future automation systems are promising totally autonomous driverless vehicles without the need for roadside signs and signals. Some reports claim that driverless vehicles will, among many other benefits, prevent accidents and resolve congestion. In the near term, and while unconnected vehicles are still prevalent, current controls will still be required. Wholesale public acceptance of driverless vehicles is not considered to be a certainty. It is concluded that the developments are more likely to affect the connected human driver than the connected vehicle.