A study from Southern Methodist University indicates that fully autonomous vehicles could potentially decrease traffic delays in the Dallas-Fort Worth area by as much as 33 percent by 2045, without the need for new highway lanes. This research was conducted by Khaled Abdelghany and involved modeling traffic scenarios with varying levels of autonomous vehicle adoption.
The study's findings were based on 25 experiments that simulated regional traffic conditions in 2045. In scenarios where all vehicles were autonomous, traffic delays dropped significantly, and the amount of time spent in congested traffic fell by at least 19 percent. The researchers noted that human drivers often create traffic jams through inconsistent driving behaviors, which autonomous vehicles could help alleviate through smoother operations.
In a recent ranking, Dallas was identified as the 17th most congested city in the United States, with drivers losing approximately 36 hours annually due to traffic.
Texas is already at the forefront of driverless vehicle technology, particularly in freight transport. Aurora Innovation launched the first commercial driverless delivery service in the U.S. between Dallas and Houston in April 2025. The trucks operate along the I-45 corridor, which is a critical route for freight movement in Texas.
Aurora has since expanded its operations to include a second route from Fort Worth to El Paso and plans to deploy hundreds of trucks.
Other companies, such as Kodiak Robotics, Waymo Via, Gatik, Plus, and Waabi, are also working on autonomous trucking in Texas, solidifying the state's position as a leader in this emerging industry. On the passenger side, Waymo has been offering a paid robotaxi service in Austin and has expanded its services to select riders in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
While the rise of autonomous vehicles raises questions about job displacement, the reality is that new roles will emerge. Positions will still be needed for technicians, remote operators, and staff involved in logistics and maintenance. Industry estimates suggest that autonomous vehicles could contribute around $70 billion to the U.S. GDP and create approximately 9 million jobs globally by 2030.
However, the study's 33 percent reduction in traffic delays is contingent on full adoption of autonomous vehicles, which is not anticipated in the near term. The study also highlights that nearly half of autonomous vehicle operating hours may occur without passengers, as vehicles reposition between fares. Additionally, safety concerns and the impact on public transit ridership remain important considerations.
