Changing American Commutes
A new breed of workers, dubbed “super commuters,” has emerged due to shifts in American life, spurred by factors like the Covid-19 pandemic which led to a rise in remote work and urban exodus. Many major cities experienced a decline in population as people relocated to more affordable areas.
Impact of Inflation
The soaring inflation post-pandemic has made city living more costly. WalletHub’s study reveals that inflation rates in major US cities like Dallas-Ft. Worth, New York City, Chicago, Detroit, San Diego, and Washington DC are over 3.5%, affecting the cost of living.
Super Commuters on the Rise
Super commuters, those living far from their workplace, are increasingly common. Research shows that longer commutes of over 40 miles are becoming more prevalent, with a third increase in workers traveling 75 miles or more since the pandemic began.
The Future: Self-Driving Revolution
Tesla’s upcoming “We, Robot” event will unveil its first autonomous robotaxi, the “Cybercab.” This innovation marks a significant step towards a future where human drivers are unnecessary, as self-driving cars equipped with Full Self-Driving software and artificial intelligence take center stage.
Impact on Industries
The introduction of the Cybercab and advancements in autonomous driving technology are poised to disrupt the automotive, technology, and investment sectors, signaling a shift in transportation innovation.
Autonomous Vehicles are Taking Over Roads Faster Than You Think
Real-Life Experience with Self-Driving Cars
Senior Analyst Luke Lango shares his recent ride in a fully autonomous car in Phoenix.
About a month ago, Luke took a driverless ride from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to his house, courtesy of Waymo.
Waymo, a unit under Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), has been testing autonomous vehicles for over a decade, offering ride-hailing services in select cities like Phoenix.
Expansion in Autonomous Technology
Other companies like Aurora Innovation and Kodiak Robotics are gearing up to launch self-driving trucks on public roads.
Aurora Innovation (AUR) partners with major firms to develop autonomous trucks, set to operate in Texas soon without safety drivers.
Kodiak Robotics is also focusing on self-driving big rigs.
In China, Baidu (BIDU) introduced Apollo Go, an autonomous ride-hailing service similar in scale to Waymo.
Elon Musk is about to unveil Tesla Robotaxi, marking a significant move in the autonomous vehicle sector.
Join Luke on Monday at 10 AM EST for a deep dive into the growing autonomous vehicle industry, discussing new developments and investment opportunities.
As self-driving technology advances, commuters will gain more time and enhance their quality of life with less time wasted in traffic.
Enjoy the weekend,
Luis Hernandez
Editor in Chief, InvestorPlace
