The European Union wants elderly people (70+) to undergo medical tests from now on to prove that they are still capable of driving a car every five years. However, the proposal has been met with a lot of criticism.
Not every old person has someone who would help them with that. May not be your experience, but it’s true nevertheless.
Nevermind that it’s not a solution for people who can’t get into a car (people in wheelchairs for example).
A self driving car then basically offers the same service as a taxi. And with a taxi you do not have to take care of the car (repairs, registration, etc).
A taxi would be, in principle, substantially more expensive.
And elderly people with zero support network are a separate problem, albeit a serious one. Also quite sad.
I do not agree that it is more expensive than owning a car “in principle”. Cars are very expensive. You have to buy and maintain them.
Wether or not a taxi is more expensive will depend heavily on the amount and length of trips you have to take.
Also, for me it is not entirely a separate issue. Car dependent societies will alway have issues for people that cannot drive a car (children, elderly, disabled people). The real solution ist building infrastructure that is inclusive for all. This will also improve support structures. Self driving cars don’t solve any of these issues.
