'on an infinite timescale' (as Siracusa likes to say) you could be right but looking at the political realities I don't expect this within my lifetime. Take my

'on an infinite timescale' (as Siracusa likes to say) you could be right but looking at the political realities I don't expect this within my lifetime. Take my home country Switzerland: We already have ~50% of commuting done by public transport, no automation needed. You could certainly make an argument that it would be much cheaper for the other half to switch as well so the roads can be used by buses and delivery vehicles - yet noone would even get that idea. Cars have become such an integral part of culture that it will take a long time until you find majorities for restricting access (with the exception of inner cities where this is already happening). Plus, even in Switzerland where there is practically zero stigma in taking a bus, there are lots of regions where not having a car is impractical even once automation is there (an auto still has to get to you when you live in a tiny mountain village).