Some people assume that the introduction of autonomous vehicles will mean human drivers are no longer needed. We believe that in the first five or more years following the introduction of autonomous vehicles, the need for human drivers will actually increase, not decrease. How is that possible? Rides in autonomous vehicles will be less expensive than any options today and will lead to more people using Lyft for more and more of their transportation needs. As people rely on Lyft for more of their transportation, they are more likely to live car-free. And as more people trade their keys for Lyft, the overall market will grow dramatically. When autonomous cars can only solve a portion of those trips, more Lyft drivers will be needed to provide service to the growing market of former car owners.

I want to believe. Do you think his timeframe is too optimistic?

I think it's realistic for major metro areas but not for everywhere else.

Basically everywhere there are taxis?

Basically where inhabitants have already surrendered car ownership.

I'd like to think that towns could benefit from them as much as cities.