Mike and Maaike's ATNMBL

For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, what we're talking about here is the ATNMBL, a recent transportation concept from the studio of Mike and Maaike in San Francisco. What it promises is nothing short of the end of the driving experience. No more traffic jams, no more eating, talking / texting, no more reading or doing your nails while trying to drive, no more putting your life on hold so you can get to where you're going.

I've seen this concept making the rounds for a few weeks now, and I hadn't honestly given it too much thought until I saw it on Core77 yesterday and began reading the comments section. What struck me was the sheer volume of comments (many Core77 posts get very few if any posts as far as I can see) It is clear from the reaction (among the design community no less) that this is a polarizing concept. Many comments were simply criticizing its lack of feasibility (airbags, etc.).

Personally, I think the concept is extremely well presented. I have no issue with showing an idea that is unfeasible as a concept; its value and role as a catalyst is invaluable.

What I'm most interested in is how you guys feel about a driverless transportation system! Personally, I love driving, but I absolutely hate all of the things that Mike and Maaike identified that go along with driving in built up urban areas. I could see a future in which such a system becomes more mainstream and the personal automobile becomes a pastime or a hobby, much as what happened to the horse when cars first came about. What are your thoughts?