People seem to focus on the volume of cars. But traffic is not just a matter of volume but of friction between cars. Reducing the friction (naively) appears to be a simpler problem. You wouldn't even need full self driving, only enough tech for cars to merge/switch lanes without slowing down.
Not requiring a central point of control is an additional benefit. The reduction of traffic would be an "emergent" behavior.
Not requiring a central point of control is an additional benefit. The reduction of traffic would be an "emergent" behavior.