@robotmonkeys @docpop The city could charge a tax for miles driven on public roads while unoccupied, but open the door for private parties to rent out their unused parking spots by the minute to accommodate these vehicles.

This would get these vehicles off the road when not in use to mitigate congestion while also making more efficient use of existing private parking.

@robotmonkeys @docpop If it's congested now wait until every car on the road is an empty Waymo

@robotmonkeys @docpop As harmful as parking lots are for a city, cars that are in motion are even worse. Electric power reduces some of the problems and an eventual "better than human" automation would also reduce some problems. But there are problems inherent to using individual multi-ton high speed metal boxes on city streets as the dominant form of transportation. "Deadheading" will just make things worse.

@robotmonkeys @docpop why do you want this and not for the public transport options you mentioned to be improved? Have you ever lived or visited somewhere with a good public transport system? It’s awesome, and benefits everyone.

@robotmonkeys @docpop having every car currently parked instead driving around and around all day will definitely do wonders for congestion.

@robotmonkeys @docpop you might be surprised to learn that a bunch of empty vehicles driving around will not help congestion.