[ExI] self driving cars

[spike at rainier66.com]

From: extropy-chat <extropy-chat-bounces at lists.extropy.org> On Behalf Of Adrian Tymes via extropy-chat
Subject: Re: [ExI] self driving cars

 

On Sat, Nov 15, 2025, 12:43 AM spike jones via extropy-chat <extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org <mailto:extropy-chat at lists.extropy.org> > wrote:

This will help solve homelessness.  Reason: if many people choose to not own cars, it frees up a lot of garage space which can be converted to apartments.

>…The garage space is already part of the building, so this seems unlikely.  More logical would be to say that less parking is needed, which allows new construction or redevelopment to have more housing space….But...see existing zoning laws and parking minimums: this is a legislative battle that goes back decades…

 

The housing expansionists have the upper hand currently in California.  It is way easier to get permits now to convert your garage to living space or install a factory-build microhouse in your back yard.  Neither costs much, and the potential rent would make the ROI enormous.  They would have a pay-back time of two to four years, depending on where it is.

 

>…Regardless of the physical need or lack thereof, buildings are often legally required to give space for a car infrastructure…

 

Adrian, I am coming from the POV of the extended single family suburb, which is where I have always resided.

 

>…Besides, even if you add slightly more housing, the demand keeps growing so homelessness continues to be an issue…

 

Ja, and it doesn’t solve the train problem necessarily: local commuter trains have become rolling homeless shelters/  Likewise, the homeless could take up residence in the Waymo cars.  I think solutions to that problem will evolve.  Example: ammonia injection.  The Waymo recognizes that it has someone on board who is not paying and not getting out.  The inside of that car starts to smell like Windex, harmless but an eye irritant.  If the offender exits, the car rolls down its windows and drives to another location to air out, arriving perfectly without a trace of residue (ammonia is good that way.)  Otherwise, the smell gets stronger and stronger, compelling exit.  If that doesn’t work, the Waymo car summons the local authorities to remove the corpse or otherwise inert passenger.

 

Note I am not claiming this scheme solves or cures the growing homelessness problem.  It only treats it, by supplying additional housing for those who can pay, and preventing the growing population of the indigent from parasitizing mass transit.

 

spike

 

 

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.extropy.org/pipermail/extropy-chat/attachments/20251115/92ebead3/attachment-0001.htm>