The rise of innovative mobility services and autonomous vehicles (AVs) is bringing about a radical transformation in the public transportation sector.  Multiple alternative futures are possible and change is so rapid that no timelines can be provided.  The arrival of AVs is expected to affect many aspects of a transit agency’s functioning and will require new strategies, business models and resources.  It is an opportunity to reinvent the traditional transit system for public benefit. 

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) is committed to facilitating innovation and safety in the deployment of AVs.  Regulatory guidelines are evolving to maintain parity with the pace of technology.  A broad coalition comprising policymakers, industry, researchers, safety advocates, and transportation stakeholders is needed to prepare for the adoption of AVs in our daily lives by assessing technology development, market penetration, user behaviour and public policy.

AV America, with the support of Global Mass Transit (GMT), is organizing its first conference on Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Public Transport on January 23-24, 2019 at the Sheraton, Palo Alto, California.  The conference aims to bring together a variety of experts to assess the holistic impact of AVs on the public transportation sector and develop solutions for mutually beneficial relationships.  It will address issues in policy, planning, funding, technology, procurement, market development, testing and deployment of AVs.

Transit agencies and cities engaging early in AV technologies stand to benefit significantly from their experience.  They can understand the issues involved, prepare for change as well as influence their peers, technology providers and policymakers in addressing key issues such as regulations, safety, social equity, accessibility, labour requirements, environmental sustainability, insurance, risk management and financial viability

 

Key issues to be explored

• What is the near-term and long-term future of mobility?
• What are the different aspects of change caused by AV technology? How will existing operations and budgeting be affected?
• What is the government’s plan and policy regarding adoption of AVs in transit?
• What should be the role of the transit agency as technologies change rapidly and a broad range of mobility options become available?
• How can agencies leverage benefits from the launch of AVs?
• How can transit agencies effectively influence policy in addressing social and ethical concerns regarding full-scale deployment of AVs?
• What are the costs and requirements of launching automated buses or BRTs? What support can be expected from the government and the private sector?
• What are the experiences of agencies testing AVs for transit applications?
• How can transit agencies effectively plan and launch AV testing?