Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Media

A Swedish Transit Agency Cuts Through the Autonomous Car Hype

You can thank Västtrafik, a Swedish transit agency, for this great ad that spoofs driverless car hype.

The ad uses car commercial cliches -- tight shots of a sleek exterior, an overbearing soundtrack -- to express a point that doesn't get made often enough: We already have the technology to address a lot of the problems that self-driving cars purport to solve.

Buses may lack the novelty and sheen of autonomous technology, but they have advantages that a four-door sedan never will -- namely, the efficiency of moving more people in less space. And they work fine right now, not in five, ten, or 20 years. We should see buses held up as the elegant transportation solution they are more often.

Hat tip: The Verge.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

The Week in Short Video

AI on buses, CAHSR and VMT Tax conspiracies, and one way to carry a bike up stairs.

February 13, 2026

Friday’s Headlines

Major win in D.C. for the pro-smog lobby.

February 13, 2026

Commentary: Let’s Do Even Better, Bay Area, for the World Cup

VTA boasted about record ridership for the Super Bowl. But that was despite some missed opportunities.

February 12, 2026

CA High-Speed Rail Approves Large Cost Overrun, Legislation Moves to Empower Inspector General, Unhinged Critics Criticize

The California Post tabloid newspaper arrives, and so does sensationalized criticism of California High-Speed Rail.

February 12, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines

New bike lanes, new Coaster service, and more Vision Zero follies.

February 12, 2026
See all posts