THE IMPACT OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES ON THE CITY STRUCTURE: A CASE STUDY IN ROMANIAN UNIVERSITIES.

The development of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology has the potential to disrupt transportation in the coming years. This study explores the perspectives on AVs in Romanian universities, focusing on students' attitudes and perceptions, as well as the views of academics on the AVs impact on the structure of cities. The study employed a cross-sectional survey, collecting data from both online and face-to-face surveys. The research reveals that students generally have a positive opinion of AVs, emphasizing safety and comfort. However, concerns were raised regarding cost, reliability, employment impact, and privacy. Students’ opinions changed over time, especially when talking about AVs disadvantages. Academic experts predicted significant changes in cities due to AVs, including reduced congestion, optimized space utilization, and increased emphasis on active transport. However, concerns about urban sprawl and the need for appropriate urban planning were also expressed. The study highlights potential health benefits of AVs, such as reduced air pollution and commuter stress, but also potential negative impacts like sedentary behaviour and reduced social interaction. These findings are emphasizing the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of AVs on city structure and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]