That's fair. Yup. People aren't perfect, but since the Industrial Revolution we have been increasing safety, decreasing costs, and improving efficiency. I see autonomous driverless cars as a way to reduce traffic in urban areas, increase access for people who currently can't afford cars/insurance, and improve safety for everyone. I don't see this as controversial. I haven't done enough research in this area to suggest timelines for the introduction of driverless public transportation (e.g., taxis, buses, zipcar-like services, etc.), but I've heard everything between 2017-2030. I personally think they will be successful in the long-term, but again I haven't do enough research to suggest a timeline for the establishment of a new grid. Although I am interested in learning more about it in the future. My point was that the benefits of "driverless cars" suggested by the article aren't actually the benefits of "driverless cars" and that if they actually were, vanpools would have accomplished them.
can we call the old one done?
Lenin argued that if perfected, The State would increase safety, decrease cost, and improve efficiency for everyone. Thing is, people ain't perfect.