Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Evolution: Technological, Social and Environmental Perspectives

Dear Colleagues,

The call for papers for this Special Issue on “Autonomous Vehicles and Urban Evolution: Technological, Social, and Environmental Perspectives” invites research that examines the wide-ranging implications of autonomous vehicles (AVs) for transportation systems, urban planning, sustainability, and societal behavior including educational and public awareness aspects. This Special Issue seeks contributions that explore the intersections of AV technology with user behavior, economic models, urban infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability. Key themes for submission include:

1. Technological Advancements in AV Perception and Decision-Making: Research is encouraged on AV decision-making capabilities, especially using advanced techniques like deep learning for diverse real scenarios in urban and non-urban contexts. Studies on cooperative driving paradigms, which enhance AV safety and efficiency through vehicle–infrastructure collaboration, are also of interest.
2. User Behavior and Societal Acceptance: Submissions that investigate how users interact with AV technology, including public attitudes, willingness to adopt, and acceptance factors, are highly relevant. Research on educational efforts to enhance user understanding of AV functionality and safety could provide insights into improving user comfort and trust in AVs.
3. Parking Behavior and Urban Infrastructure: As AVs alter travel patterns, their impact on urban parking demand and public space utilization warrants attention. Studies examining shifts in parking behavior, such as AVs’ ability to self-park or return for pickup, and potential policies developed by decision makers, as well as the implications for urban planning, are encouraged. Research on potential reductions in parking infrastructure and increased land use efficiency aligns with sustainable urban development goals.
4. Economic and Environmental Sustainability: AV integration into electric mobility is increasingly viewed as a core aspect of sustainable urban mobility. Research on AVs’ potential to lower emissions, optimize energy consumption, and promote car-sharing models contributes to the sustainable mobility discourse. Submissions exploring educational campaigns or policies that promote the sustainable adoption of AVs are also welcomed.
5. Economic Impacts on Urban Transportation Systems: AVs are poised to reshape urban transit, enabling new models such as shared AV fleets and impacting traffic flow. Studies on the economic effects of AVs on transport infrastructure, operating costs, and potential reductions in vehicle ownership are of interest.
6. Regulatory and Ethical Challenges: Legal frameworks surrounding AV liability and safety continue to evolve. Papers addressing regulatory measures, ethical considerations in machine decision-making, and frameworks to safeguard public trust in AV technology are encouraged.
7. Case Studies on Real-World Implementations: Submissions may include case studies on AV implementation across various contexts, such as urban centers and mixed traffic environments, or examples of regulatory adjustments made to accommodate AVs.
8. Educational Aspects in Autonomous driving: Research on educational programs and initiatives that aim to improve public understanding and acceptance of autonomous vehicles is highly encouraged. Studies on educational frameworks that inform users about AV functionality, safety protocols, and the environmental benefits of AV adoption can play an important role in shaping user perceptions and fostering a positive attitude towards AV technology. Educational efforts targeting specific demographics, such as youth or urban communities, are particularly valuable in terms of promoting informed usage and trust in AVs.

This Special Issue welcomes original research, reviews, and case studies that contribute to understanding how AVs will transform future transportation landscapes. This research will address technical, societal, and environmental challenges, offering guidance to stakeholders navigating the complex yet promising landscape of autonomous vehicle integration.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Luigi dell’Olio
Dr. Andres Rodriguez
Dr. Silvia SIpone
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Future Transportation is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• autonomous vehicles
• intelligent transportation systems
• urban mobility
• sustainable transportation
• user behavior in AVs
• AV parking behavior
• cooperative driving
• AV perception and decision-making
• regulatory frameworks for AVs
• economic impact of AV integration