A new study led by Southern Methodist University researchers suggests that widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles could significantly reduce traffic congestion in the Dallas-Fort Worth region without adding new highway lanes.
The findings come as North Texas leaders and residents continue to debate the future of public transit systems like Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).
SMU Study: Key Outcomes
The research analysis, published by SMU in June 2026, modeled traffic patterns by the year 2045 at varying levels of driverless-vehicle use.
The study, led by SMU civil and environmental engineering professor Khaled Abdelghany in collaboration with Texas A&M’s Texas Transportation Institute, conducted 25 experiments with different adoption rates: 100%, 50%, and 25% driverless vehicles, benchmarked against a 0% driverless scenario.
In the fully automated scenario, researchers found traffic delays across the DFW region could fall by up to 33%, with hours spent in congested traffic reduced by at least 19%.
The model showed the greatest improvements on highways and major arterials, where smoother, coordinated driving by autonomous vehicles helps reduce stop-and-go patterns. Communication between vehicles and traffic lights provided only marginal additional benefits.
The study assumes a more car-centric future with increased suburban migration, which could amplify the benefits of point-to-point autonomous service. However, it also notes that results depend on high adoption rates and supportive policies.
Point-to-Point Potential vs. Fixed Stations
Autonomous vehicles could offer point-to-point service, allowing riders to be picked up and dropped off closer to their actual destinations rather than fixed rail or bus stations. Proponents argue this flexibility could reduce the need for large transit infrastructure investments while improving convenience for commuters.
The SMU study noted that smoother, coordinated driving by autonomous vehicles helps mitigate stop-and-go traffic patterns that worsen congestion.
However, some researchers caution that increased convenience could lead to higher overall vehicle miles traveled, potentially offsetting gains if not paired with other policies. A separate 2024 study ranked Dallas as the 17th most congested U.S. city, with drivers losing an average of 36 hours per year in traffic.
Pros, Cons, and Future Impact
Autonomous vehicles could provide a point-to-point option that avoids stations where safety concerns have been raised. The Dallas Express has reported extensively on safety concerns along DART lines.
The SMU study and related reporting include smoother traffic flow, reduced delays, and greater accessibility for elderly, disabled, or non-driving residents. Abdelghany noted that autonomous vehicles can help mitigate speed variability that reduces highway efficiency.
Cons raised by critics include potential induced demand (more driving due to convenience), high upfront costs, and lingering safety questions. Reports of mishaps and collisions involving early driverless fleets have kept public skepticism high, as The Dallas Express previously reported.
The future impact could reshape North Texas transportation. As autonomous adoption grows, it could reduce pressure on fixed-route systems like DART while offering more flexible mobility.
Provided by Dallas Express
