Driving Changes: Automated Vehicles in Toronto - Discussion paper

The purpose of this report is to equip City of Toronto decision makers with the information they need to identify and evaluate short and medium term policy, planning, and investment options that pertain to the onset of vehicle automation. [...] a) Prepare the Ground • Develop an overarching vision and point of view on the impact and role of AVs for the City of Toronto. [...] • Review policies and plans for urban planning, transit, and transportation in light of the coming advent of AVs, and consider changes in current assumptions, investments, processes, and decisions. [...] A Canada/Ontario policy framework and plan regarding mobility data ownership, use, and protection is needed in order to address the needs and minimize the risks of cities, citizens, and organizational stakeholders. [...] Key questions for the scenario forecast are: Will the current dominant model of private vehicle ownership continue to prevail in the era of AVs? To what extent will people forego car ownership in favour of on-demand mobility services from automated taxis, automated minibuses, mass transit, and the like? 3 On-demand vehicles, particularly ATs, will be in various shapes and sizes.