Urban Innovate TALKS

#6 Will Autonomous Vehicles kill public transit? w/ William Levassor

In this episode, Dr. Henriette Cornet talks to William Levassor from beti. Togehter, they discuss if Autonomous Vehicles may (or may not) 'kill' public transit. William shares insights on autonomous vehicles, and together they debunk common myths, and explore their impact on public transit. They discuss technology, regulation, public perception, and future scenarios for AV deployment. Keywords autonomous vehicles, public transit, public transportation, robotaxi, regulation, technology, future mobility, public perception, AV deployment, digitalization, urban mobility Key topics * Impact of autonomous vehicles on public transit * Public perception and misconceptions about AVs * Regulatory and operational challenges in AV deployment * Opportunities for AVs to improve urban mobility * Future scenarios for AV integration in cities Sound bites "AVs will be useful in low-density and suburban areas." "Immediacy is a key expectation in modern mobility." Chapters 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mivYtdG38] Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles and Their Impact 05:07 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mivYtdG38&t=307s] Public Perception and Misconceptions of AVs 10:49 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mivYtdG38&t=649s] Differentiating Technology and Service in AVs 17:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mivYtdG38&t=1075s] Opportunities for Public Transit Improvement 19:33 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mivYtdG38&t=1173s] Weaknesses of Public Transit in Europe and the US 24:33 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mivYtdG38&t=1473s] The Need for Immediacy in Public Transportation 27:08 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mivYtdG38&t=1628s] The Evolution of Public Transit and Technology 30:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mivYtdG38&t=1800s] Opportunities for Autonomous Vehicles in Public Transit 36:06 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10mivYtdG38&t=2166s] Depot Management and Automation 41:22 The Future of Public Transit vs. Ride-Hailing Services 47:56 Optimizing Public Transit with Private Partnerships Resources Urban Innovate - https://urban-innovate.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjBISjFmLW1mZWdZcVhMU2tHR0RWZV9ycUt0d3xBQ3Jtc0tuNGMxMC02cFFSeU9mbktvX2pqR3FZeUFfTTVET3A5QjBrd0tZRFE5M2dXbUp0NkNxZ3lhcWdCXzE0Wk0tN3dSSS1QS0h5YTczRzdTZC1jOVRHaXRBRlVoRHZCRUE5VlhGdnRiOGZXZmxHNmZndWRlUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Furban-innovate.com%2F&v=10mivYtdG38] beti - http://www.navette-autonome.fr [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHc5R3BxN3pGeC15b0gxR1FHTjB2QTJva3Uwd3xBQ3Jtc0trYXUxcWRuekxHNVpnTXA3eGQ2UEN2bTdYS2tVcExoZV9DbjJpbXhGM0w2bjJEekVsbnNyUE9XN3puZjh6azJaTTFjZVJOLTNFNkh4NG4wdDNNdnRZd3J0YXJFVUd2RVNpOFpZU3UyZ1d3Z1l1eHZKbw&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.navette-autonome.fr%2F&v=10mivYtdG38] wsp & CapMetro YARD program in Austin on bus depot automation - https://www.wsp.com/en-us/projects/ca... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHJ1cUVvSW00VktfRWdudEdlRXFreUV2SWRqUXxBQ3Jtc0tuVVNFenZfU25WdWJjTVJMeVoxZlM3R0VNaERTR0JSbDZpWVliSlhWZF95d2d6Rk1sWDF5VFkxdERtZjV1Zng1Z08zTkRjaURaU1dQZHBuaFh2ek1UcFlZWExxSjloaW51SEhMZVZaNFlJcmU3cG1jVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wsp.com%2Fen-us%2Fprojects%2Fcapmetro-yard-program&v=10mivYtdG38] Speakers links https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-levassor/  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-levassor/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/henriette-cornet/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbERpTFlhdXJDZG12OWJraDNOamNJbGJDVmltUXxBQ3Jtc0ttRHJRZGtac1JOMUlnaTZjYXdZWmZQNnBUamt5RExON2RMc1hvUHIzNGQwMlNlZlRyZEQ2b3QxWEtqSUVJbmNsV2gxX1g4dkUxYWtkVklWMThNcUNuUVljWTRqb05fN1BuTmtRMVJINDZCR3RYcDNTUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fhenriette-cornet%2F&v=10mivYtdG38]

#5 The Autonomous Vehicles reality check w/ William Levassor

This episode of Urban Innovate TALKS features William Levassor, a public transit and autonomous vehicle expert, discussing the importance of data, safety, regulation, and trust in autonomous vehicle deployment. Henriette and William explore how data management, safety metrics, and regulatory frameworks shape the future of shared mobility and AV operations worldwide. Links Urban Innovate's website [https://urban-innovate.com/] Henriette Cornet on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/henriette-cornet/] William Levassor on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-levassor/] SFCTA's Conceptual Safety-Focused AV Permitting Framework [https://www.sfcta.org/reports/conceptual-safety-focused-av-permitting-framework] (September 2025) Key topics * Data management and safety metrics in AV operations * Regulatory frameworks and homologation processes in Europe and the US * The role of third-party oversight and trust-building in AV deployment * Stepwise approach to autonomous vehicle safety and scaling * Differences in AV market strategies between Europe, US, and China Sound Bites * "We have all this data, but what do we want to do with it?" * "Monitoring safety and performance is key to scaling AVs." * "Third-party oversight can build trust and improve safety." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles and Fleet Operations 02:43 Digitalization in Public Transit and Fleet Management 05:09 Data Collection and Safety Monitoring in AVs 08:31 Regulatory Frameworks and Data Transparency 12:07 Performance Metrics and Safety Assessment 21:27 Models of Autonomous Vehicle Deployment 22:21 Challenges in Emergency Response and Autonomous Vehicles 24:50 Regulatory Frameworks and City Roles in AV Deployment 28:14 The Importance of Trust and Data in AV Operations 30:24 Metrics and Standardization for Safety in AVs 31:40 Future of AVs: Global Perspectives and Innovations

#4 The Ethics Layer of AI with Dr Katie Evans

In this episode of Urban Innovate TALKS, host Henriette Cornet engages with philosopher Katie Evans to explore the intersection of AI, ethics, and public transportation. They discuss the importance of critical thinking in technology, the emotional responses to AI-related incidents, and the societal implications of automation. The conversation also delves into the development of a new AI tool, pulsur, and the ethical considerations that come with designing AI systems. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the need for transparency, moral responsibility, and the impact of technology on human agency and public life. Takeaways Philosophy encourages critical thinking about technology. AI literacy is distinct from science fiction. Public perception of AI incidents is often emotional. Automation raises questions about job displacement. Public transportation should maintain anonymity. AI tools must balance control and flexibility. Ethical considerations are crucial in AI design. Transparency in data collection is essential. The future of cities involves complex moral questions. Technology should enhance, not diminish human agency. Chapters 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjuG3sSfuI] Introduction to Urban Innovate Talks 02:29 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjuG3sSfuI&t=149s] Exploring Philosophy and AI Ethics 05:41 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjuG3sSfuI&t=341s] The Role of Science Fiction in AI Literacy 08:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjuG3sSfuI&t=494s] Understanding Autonomous Vehicles and Public Perception 09:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjuG3sSfuI&t=565s] The Emotional Impact of AI-Related Incidents 12:17 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjuG3sSfuI&t=737s] The Intersection of Automation and Employment 14:56 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjuG3sSfuI&t=896s] The Future of Public Transportation and Anonymity 17:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjuG3sSfuI&t=1057s] The Development of Pulsar: A New AI Tool 20:21 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjuG3sSfuI&t=1221s] Ethical Considerations in AI Design 23:26 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjuG3sSfuI&t=1406s] Final Thoughts on AI, Ethics, and Society

#3 Holon's vision for public AVs with Alex Hansen

In this episode of Urban Innovate Talks, Henriette Cornet interviews Alex Hansen, the director of sales at Holon, a company focused on developing autonomous shuttles. They discuss Holon's unique position in the market, its partnerships, and the technology behind its vehicles. The conversation also covers Holon's expansion plans in the US, particularly in Jacksonville, where they plan to establish a manufacturing plant. Hansen emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance and the need for public acceptance of autonomous vehicles. The episode concludes with a discussion on the potential use cases for Holon's shuttles in urban transit systems. Takeaways Holon is a young company with a startup character. The company combines innovation with the experience of its parent company, Bentle. Holon focuses on developing fully autonomous shuttles for public transport. Partnerships with companies like Mobileye are crucial for Holon's technology. The US market is seen as an early adopter for autonomous vehicles. Jacksonville is a strategic location for Holon's manufacturing plant. Holon aims to produce 5,000 vehicles annually at its Jacksonville plant. Regulatory challenges exist, particularly regarding vehicle approvals. Holon seeks to educate transit agencies on the benefits of autonomous shuttles. The company envisions its vehicles as a solution for last-mile connectivity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Holon and Its Vision 04:25 Holon's Unique Position in the Market 06:08 Development and Testing of Autonomous Shuttles 10:28 Partnerships and Technology Integration 13:19 Holon's Role in the Mobility Ecosystem 15:46 Expansion Plans in the US Market 20:27 Jacksonville: A Strategic Location for Holon 23:56 Production Capacity and Future Plans 25:49 Regulatory Challenges and Market Adaptation 27:53 Addressing Transit Agency Needs 32:20 Use Cases for Autonomous Shuttles 35:08 Deconstructing Misconceptions About Autonomous Vehicles

#2 Planning for Sustainability with Tammy Seale

In this conversation, the focus is on climate action and sustainability, featuring insights from Tammy, a principal at Placeworks. The discussion covers the importance of climate action planning, the roles of mitigation and adaptation, and the integration of technology in sustainability efforts. A case study of San Mateo's climate action plan illustrates successful community engagement and long-term goals. The conversation also addresses the challenges of polarization in climate discussions and emphasizes the need for shared values and collaboration. Takeaways Climate action is essential at multiple levels: individual, municipal, and state. Mitigation involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation prepares communities for climate impacts. Transportation is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating a focus on reducing vehicle miles traveled. Education is crucial for helping communities adapt to new sustainability practices. Technology can enhance sustainability efforts, but it doesn't always have to be high-tech. Natural solutions, like urban forestry, play a vital role in carbon sequestration. Successful climate action requires community buy-in and collaboration among stakeholders. San Mateo's climate action plan exemplifies effective community engagement and ambitious goals. Polarization in climate discussions can be mitigated by focusing on shared values and goals. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to effective climate action planning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Climate Action and Sustainability 03:07 Understanding Climate Mitigation and Adaptation 06:07 The Role of Technology in Sustainability 09:15 Case Study: San Mateo's Climate Action Plan 14:06 Navigating Polarization in Climate Discussions