Eastside Annual Dinner Imagines Future of Transportation (Now!)

At the Eastside Annual Dinner, Tony Seba, an expert on technological disruption, shared insights on the impending transformation of transportation, underscoring the urgency of adapting to these changes. He asserted that individual car ownership is expected to decline sharply in favor of a model centered around “transportation as a service,” where vehicles are collectively owned and managed. Seba’s predictions included the rise of autonomous electric vehicles, which will be more affordable and safer than traditional cars, leading to a significant reduction in road accidents. He emphasized that fewer vehicles will necessitate less parking, allowing cities to reclaim these spaces for parks and green areas, thereby enhancing urban livability. According to Seba, well-connected and walkable communities promote public health and economic success, making this transition critical for societal advancement.

Bellevue and its Eastside companies are positioned to be key players in these innovations, further solidifying the region's influence in the mobility revolution. The Bellevue Chamber of Commerce was pivotal in hosting this enlightening discussion, which aims to prepare the city for future transportation disruptions. Seba’s best-selling book, “Clean Disruption of Energy and Transportation,” provides further insights into these transformative trends.