Background and Objective: Examining the impact of the virtual world on the real world, particularly in the domain of transportation and traffic, is of significant importance. While the metaverse offers potential benefits for the future of transportation, it must be approached with a critical perspective. This theoretical study investigates the influence of the metaverse on real-world transportation systems.
Research Methodology: The primary aim of this study is to challenge our understanding of the metaverse and its implications for transportation, identify its opportunities and challenges, and propose an agenda for future research. This foundational research adopts a document-based and literature review approach. The findings suggest that transportation policymakers must remain aware of metaverse trends and critically evaluate their feasibility.
Findings and Conclusion: Developing a digital twin for transportation infrastructure is both complex and costly, requiring stakeholder collaboration. A cost-benefit analysis is essential to ensure the practicality of such integration. Brand managers can leverage the metaverse to create immersive experiences and enhance brand awareness. Moreover, the metaverse enables virtual tours and virtual test drives. The paper concludes that despite the challenges, the metaverse offers numerous opportunities and demands substantial investment. Finally, recommendations for future research are provided, emphasizing the need to examine the benefits, technical requirements, and socio-economic implications of integrating the metaverse into transportation.