The Big C

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Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are an enabler, here just in time to allow a realistic formulation of the CAV-System concept. However, it is fair to ask why anything needs to be done, why technology and markets for CAVs should not be allowed to run their course, unimpeded by constraints that might be imposed by public agencies. The answer, as Davius will tell you, lies in "The Big C," big because it stands for connectivity as well as cooperation and coordination.
In Davius' view, as you have probably already gathered, it is not enough for CAVs to find their way through the jungle of cars with drivers, a jungle created for the eyes and large, but often undisciplined, brains of humans. Davius' looks forward, on our behalf, to a time when travel is safe, efficient, and convenient. He tells us that AVs without Cs cannot fulfill his vision.
Connectivity
Once connected, AVs become CAVs and potentially, part of something larger. Connectivity affords them the opportunity to send information about their physical health and passenger status, and to receive information about the roadway, the weather, the traffic, and other CAVs.
Cooperation
Connectivity enables cooperation, allowing CAVs to avoid overloading a CAVWAY, to maintain the constant speeds and spacing which comprise platooning, and to make safe, timely lane changes. These capabilities, the keys to safety and efficiency, will be enabled by common "thinking" by CAVs, implemented using common protocols.
Coordination
CAVs will usually operate independently once on a CAVWAY, but there may be times that they coordinate to achieve a common objective. An example of coordination, merging, might be triggered by a blocked lane. While merging is not complex in theory - CAVs in one lane move into the adjacent lane - this maneuver can be complex on a heavily loaded CAVWAY, possibly requiring slowing, restricting access, and even off-loading of CAVs.
Transitioning from AVs to CAVs and from uncontrolled freeways to CAVWAYs offers the promise of de-congestion (more about congestion at right), platooning, and efficiency. Safety, primarily related to replacing the human driver with machines designed to be safe, will be enhanced by de-congestion.

Congestion
Congestion begins with 'C'. A primary motivation for CAVWAYs is to enable continuous travel in order to mitigate congestion. AVs, disconnected and unable to cooperate, will not be able to reduce congestion. While congestion pricing might be expected to mitigate congestion case-by-case, this would be independent of the advent of AVs.