In his doctoral research, Diego Candia analyzes the economic impacts of two emerging mobility developments: self-driving cars and tradable driving permits. Using simulations of an average European city and the Netherlands as a whole, he examined how these trends affect broader societal issues, such as employment, housing, and spatial distribution.
Self-driving cars make car travel more appealing, as people can work or relax while on the road. This increases overall well-being, boosts income and consumption, but may also lead to more traffic congestion and greater inequality—especially for lower-income groups, depending on where they live.
Tradable driving permits, made feasible through digital technology, prove to be an effective policy tool against congestion, according to the study. Especially when permits are allocated based on the number of commuting days, traffic jams decrease and labor participation is encouraged—more effectively than with a flat per-kilometer charge or equal permit distribution.
These findings are valuable for policymakers aiming to combine smart mobility with fairness and efficiency. Candia’s research helps align future decisions on transport, technology, and spatial planning with broader societal goals.
More information on the thesis