>cities will take direct control of traffic in a central way...with car owners losing control to pick the shortest route in order to be allowed to use the roads

>cities will take direct control of traffic in a central way...with car owners losing control to pick the shortest route in order to be allowed to use the roads in the city I can't see that happening in the United States. I don't know a single person who would be happy with the government controlling when and where they can drive, in the manner you describe. Even if it was net-positive for society.