Look at every current form of mass transit. The vast majority is two seats together. Having dedicated cargo space that is not used seems a waste. Widen the seating and keep dual seating or two seats with an isle in between on a smaller width vehicle. The width of a vehicle limits the side by side seating. A City buss has 2 and 2 seating an sprinter van should have side by side single seats or possible 2 narrow seats grouped together in a 2 and 2 lay out. Or maybe a 1 and 2 single seats and a pair in each row.I can't imagine people liking to sit shoulder to shoulder 3 abreast in a modified Model Y serving as a Robotaxi.
I know we have trains and buses, but let's envisage a car where mum and daughter sitting in a row, and some smelly thug sitting with them.
What would be the solution ?
Do women and Children fearing this scenario choose to hire private Robotaxi instead. ? Will larger vehicles evolve to be the domain of drunks and thugs ?
2 seats abreast, with enough room to ensure legs don't have to rub together, seat probably separated by a perspex
No
My design
It could be back or/and front entrance with corridor and seats positions 6 on each side.. offset from each other with room for luggage between.
This will ensure luggage space separates each person , and each person sits opposite luggage space.
This could ensure a degree of privacy, and the passengers can decide much easier if they want to enter or not, as opposed to opening a door and confronting someone they would rather not.
Allowing 50cm for either Luggage or passenger, the vehicle would be 6 metres, plus front and back. xtra room at the ends for wheelchair , or prams or larger items such as a bike. Possible overall length 8 metres.
A smaller 4,6,8 or 10 person design as well. Entries can be from the side whatever.
To add, as per usual these days, AI will play a large part.
The vehicle will present itself if it has room for you/can cater for you.. bike / wheelchair etc. You will not need to look.. room will be there. There might be a light to tell you which end to enter.
This would be the 'public' layout. Like short bus or tram destination trips. I think will be free.
Standard Robotaxis would still be available to use as your own. Would have to pay.
Elon mooted many new designs, I think they are for the Robo network. Toy hauler - for motor bikes or even a boat etc.... imagine the type of popular applications needed. I think Tesla will cater for most.
Not “Start Production”
I’m not going any further out on this limb myself.
