Theses Master's

Parking Future of New York City with Deployment of Shared Autonomous Vehicles: A Discrete Event Simulation Model

Bao, Zhihao

The impact of Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs) on urban development patterns, land use, and transportation planning is an essential topic of investigation for contemporary urban planning. This study examines how the introduction of electric SAVs affects parking space distribution and land use in New York City. The research questions explored include: How does the distribution of parking spaces change after implementing an electric SAV system? Which neighborhoods are most vulnerable to SAV-induced changes as these vehicles prioritize parking in cost-effective locations? And what land use policy recommendations can be proposed to address potential challenges?

The study reveals that the integration of SAVs presents a transformative opportunity to reshape commuting in New York City while also introducing challenges related to equitable parking allocation, social equity, and environmental sustainability. A multifaceted approach, including laws, regulations, incentives, taxes, subsidies, and public awareness campaigns, is advocated to ensure that SAV benefits are equitably shared and potential adverse consequences are minimized. The successful integration of SAVs into urban environments depends on the collaborative efforts of policymakers, urban planners, SAV operators, and the public in addressing challenges and maximizing the benefits of this innovative mode of transportation. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and policy development to create sustainable, accessible, and thriving urban communities for future generations.

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More About This Work

Academic Units
Urban Planning
Thesis Advisors
Vanky, Anthony P.
Degree
M.S., Columbia University
Published Here
July 19, 2023