Autonomous vehicles (AVs) in public transport are in the spotlight with the launch of the European Commission’s (EC) ‘Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy’ in December 2020. The strategy has set the target to deploy automated mobility on a large scale in the region by 2030.
The European Union has already made rapid strides in testing AVs. Many federal and local governments as well as public transport authorities and operators have also made efforts to introduce AVs in public transit in urban, suburban, and rural areas. However, several challenges remain for the adoption of AVs in public transport and scaling up the existing pilots, including: the interaction of AVs with non-AVs on the roads; safety concerns regarding ownership and accountability in unprecedented situations; general public apprehension; and regulatory concerns regarding licensing, testing, and com frameworks missioning.
To discuss the potential, opportunities, and challenges, Global Mass Transit is organising its Third Annual Conference on Autonomous Vehicles and Public Transport in Europe on November 17-18, 2021, at Hotel Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam in The Netherlands.
The mission of the conference is to discuss the policy and regulatory framework in Europe, progress under EU-funded projects, best practices to integrate AVs and public transport, noteworthy case studies, pilot projects and trials, potential use cases of AVs in public transport, strategies for the deployment of AVs to support transit operations, the infrastructure required to deploy AVs, and funding and procurement strategies. The conference will also showcase new and existing technologies for AVs. Examples will be provided for large, medium, and small transit agencies.
The conference will bring together experts from government agencies, public transport authorities, vehicle technology suppliers, R&D institutes, academic institutions and private companies to address issues in policy, planning, funding, technology, market development, testing, and the deployment of AVs.
The conference will have 14 targeted sessions, panel discussions and case studies, with participation from a wide range of international experts, who will provide valuable insights and actionable advice. The agenda will cover the experience so far and plans of cities/transport authorities/operators for deploying AVs in Europe. It will also highlight the latest technological developments and solutions to improve the customer experience.
Moreover, the conference will help understand the role governments, transit authorities, operators, manufacturers, and consultants can play in deploying AVs in an urban, suburban, or rural area. It will provide insights into the offerings of leading AV technology providers.
To register click here. For more information and to see the agenda click here.