Autonomous mobility is here, but the question remains as to how AVs will bring the most value to communities. Right now, many players in the AV space propose that AVs will incrementally replace conventional single-occupancy vehicles, both in the garages of private owners and in the fleets of ride-hailing services. This vision is too limited — instead, the broader promise of AVs lies in their capacity to transform mass transit. When part of mass transit systems, AVs are more sustainable and accessible; and when designed and deployed efficiently, AVs can provide a useful service for riders, while enabling operators and manufacturers to maximize their autonomous investments. 

 

This session will discuss the future of AVs in mass transit, including both what this future looks like and the unique benefits for riders, public transit providers, and AV manufacturers. Via will leverage its unparalleled breadth of AV experience across the world — from central Texas to the Middle East, across use cases — from on-demand first-mile-last-mile transportation to mixed AV/non-AV fleets, and across AV form factors — from roboshuttles to automotive grade robotaxis, to demonstrate how communities can deploy AVs to provide useful, accessible, and sustainable transportation today.