The future of mobility lies in self-driving vehicles and few people doubt it. Car automation promises to change the mobility paradigm, the way we travel and how we work. It will also change industry and will create new forms of business. Reducing the number of accidents, protecting the environment and improving accessibility are just some of the benefits of these new vehicles. The costs and benefits of adopting self-driving cars are being discussed around the world and governments are already working on legislation. The French company Missions Publiques, with the support of the European Commission, is sounding out citizens from different cities about the entry of self-driving vehicles into the mobility chain. Rosário Macário, Técnico professor and president of the newly created IASA (Institute for Advanced Studies and Awareness) is involved in two debates that will take place in Lisbon and Cascais, on 21st and 30th November respectively.

The debate “Amanhã, as nossas vidas com veículos autónomos” has been held in 25 cities: Europe, North America and Asia. And now it will take place in Portugal. “We are expecting to have the same audience. These debates aim to identify the perception of citizens about autonomous vehicles and to understand if people are receptive to this idea”, explains professor Rosário Macário. “The ultimate goal is to provide policy makers with a deeper understanding that will enable them to better design policies and measures related to the introduction of autonomous vehicles”, stresses the president of IASA.

These debates will focus on the impact of self-driving cars in our cities and in our lives within 10 year planning horizon and will cover a wide range of topics, such as: the use of autonomous vehicles, citizens’ trust in self-driving vehicles, the impact of driverless cars on traffic congestion and the costs associated with autonomous vehicles.