We will have no choice.

Cities need to become denser to accommodate the growing population and reduce footprint. Efficient public transportation (trams/subway) are no longer regulatory or financially feasible enough to build (how is the second avenue line in Manhattan going?). Robotaxis and ad-hoc buses are a potential solution.

Autonomous cars are a localized regulation, so can be adopted gradually. The cities that will innovate will reap the benefits and those that will still dedicate their human resources to driving will lag.