Austin is becoming one of the United States’ most active environments for robotaxis and autonomous vehicles. But how can a city prepare for these deployments when regulatory authority largely sits with the state?

Dr. Henriette Cornet speaks with Rachel Castignoli from the City of Austin’s Transportation and Public Works Department about the city’s approach to autonomous mobility.

They discuss Texas’ evolving regulatory framework, Austin’s public AV incident dashboard, first-responder training, Vision Zero, curb management, transit automation and workforce impacts. Rachel also shares how the city works with companies such as Waymo, Tesla and Zoox—and why infrastructure improvements made for autonomous vehicles can benefit everyone using the road.

The conversation offers practical lessons for cities seeking to prepare for robotaxis while improving safety, accessibility and urban mobility.

Guest: Rachel Castignoli, City of Austin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-c-46521690/

Austin Autonomous Vehicles Program and AV Incident Dashboard:
https://www.austintexas.gov/transportation-public-works/autonomous-vehicles

Texas Automated Vehicles Regulatory Program:
https://www.txdmv.gov/AVprogram

The AV Safety Perception Study & other Urban Innovate resources:
https://urban-innovate.com/resources/

Urban Innovate TALKS is hosted by Dr. Henriette Cornet, founder & CEO of Urban Innovate—an advisory, training and research firm at the intersection of autonomous vehicles, urban innovation and sustainable mobility.

https://urban-innovate.com

Music: “Over the Mountains” — Infraction Music
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org 

The SAE levels of automation are the industry's shared language for self-driving technology — but most people, including many professionals, misuse them. In this episode, Dr. Henriette Cornet sits down with Dr. Steve Shladover, one of the world's foremost experts on vehicle automation and a key contributor to the SAE J3016 standard itself, to set the record straight. 

We break down all five levels of driving automation — what they actually mean, where the boundaries are, and why terms like "Level 2+" and "Full Self-Driving" are more marketing than reality. Steve also explains why Level 3 is a difficult bet, why trucking may be the most compelling Level 4 application, and why you should never say "autonomous" when you mean "automated."

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned AV professional, this episode will sharpen how you talk and think about vehicle automation.

What you'll learn:

• The correct definition of each SAE level of automation (1–5)
• Why the levels apply to features, not vehicles
• What the Operational Design Domain (ODD) is and why it matters as much as the level number
• Why Level 2+ is not a real standard — and what it actually means
• Where Tesla really sits in the automation spectrum
• Why Level 5 was defined but is considered practically unachievable
• The difference between "autonomous" and "automated" — and why it matters

Guest: Steve Shladover is a research engineer at the University of California, Berkeley, and one of the longest-serving researchers in vehicle automation. He has contributed to both SAE and ISO standards, co-chaired the Transportation Research Board's automated driving workshops, and advises California regulators on AV policy.

About Urban Innovate Talks: Hosted by Dr. Henriette Cornet, founder of Urban Innovate — an advisory, training, and research firm specializing in autonomous vehicles and sustainable urban mobility. Each episode brings you direct access to the experts shaping the future of how cities move.

Explore our AV training programs and consulting services: https://urban-innovate.com/

Music: “Over the Mountains” — Infraction Music
Music from #InAudio: inaudio.org 

This episode explores how cities and transit agencies can prepare for autonomous vehicles, focusing on deployment strategies, infrastructure, safety, governance, and scaling. William Levassor from BETI shares insights on technology, costs, procurement, and operational management to help stakeholders navigate the transition to autonomous mobility.
Hosted by Dr. Henriette Cornet, CEO & founder of Urban Innovate.

Visit Urban Innovate to discover how we support cities and transit agencies on AV readiness and operate at the intersection of autonomous vehicles, public transport, and urban policy, with hands-on experience in research, deployments, regulation, and large-scale pilots across Europe, the U.S., and Asia.

Key topics
Deployment strategies for autonomous vehicles
Infrastructure and digital requirements
Cost and procurement considerations

 Sound bites
"Don't go directly to vehicle providers."
"AVs can attract new ridership."
"Road infrastructure impacts AV safety."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles in Transit
01:12 AV Readiness: Preparing Cities and Transit Agencies
04:39 Understanding Service Needs for AV Deployment
08:28 Cost Considerations and Budgeting for AV Services
13:02 Evaluating Cost Savings and ROI in AV Implementation
15:47 The Future of Mobility Services and Job Shifts
20:30 Integrating Control Centers with Autonomous Vehicles
24:03 Integrating Autonomous Vehicle Services
25:23 Infrastructure Challenges for Autonomous Vehicles
26:12 Monitoring and Safety in Autonomous Vehicle Operations
31:14 Dashboard Insights for Clients
35:25 Scaling Autonomous Vehicle Services
37:40 Future of Autonomous Vehicle Procurement

Resources
Contact William Levassor
Contact Henriette Cornet
Ruter's Request for information (RFI) - Shared Autonomous On-Demand Mobility in the Oslo Region 

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 Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles and Their Impact
05:07 Public Perception and Misconceptions of AVs
10:49 Differentiating Technology and Service in AVs
17:55 Opportunities for Public Transit Improvement
19:33 Weaknesses of Public Transit in Europe and the US
24:33 The Need for Immediacy in Public Transportation
27:08 The Evolution of Public Transit and Technology
30:00 Opportunities for Autonomous Vehicles in Public Transit
36:06 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/
beti - http://www.navette-autonome.fr
wsp & CapMetro YARD program in Austin on bus depot automation - https://www.wsp.com/en-us/projects/ca...

Speakers links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-levassor/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/henriette-cornet/

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
Henriette Cornet on LinkedIn
William Levassor on LinkedIn
SFCTA's 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

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 Introduction to Urban Innovate Talks
02:29 Exploring Philosophy and AI Ethics
05:41 The Role of Science Fiction in AI Literacy
08:14 Understanding Autonomous Vehicles and Public Perception
09:25 The Emotional Impact of AI-Related Incidents
12:17 The Intersection of Automation and Employment
14:56 The Future of Public Transportation and Anonymity
17:37 The Development of Pulsar: A New AI Tool
20:21 Ethical Considerations in AI Design
23:26 Final Thoughts on AI, Ethics, and Society

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

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

In this episode of Urban Innovate Talks, host Henriette welcomes Marek Van Zura, an expert in autonomous driving technology. They discuss the current state of autonomous vehicles, the technology behind them, and the importance of HD mapping and connectivity. Marek explains the differences between teleoperated and fully autonomous vehicles, as well as the role of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The conversation also touches on the future of autonomous public transport, the challenges facing the industry, and the importance of public trust in the technology. Marek emphasizes the need for hands-on experience with autonomous vehicles and expresses optimism about their potential to improve urban mobility.

Takeaways

Marek Van Zura is an expert in autonomous driving technology.
Autonomous vehicles are controlled by onboard computers, not humans.
Reliability in AVs requires multiple types of sensors.
HD maps enhance safety and operational reliability for AVs.
Teleoperation is different from full autonomy; it involves remote control.
Public trust is crucial for the acceptance of AVs.
The future of AVs may lean towards public transport solutions.
Collaboration among companies is essential for AV development.
ADAS systems assist drivers but do not replace them.
Real-world experience with AVs is vital for public understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Urban Innovate Talks
02:07 Meet Marek Van Zura: Expert in Autonomous Vehicles
04:10 Understanding Autonomous Vehicles: A Simple Explanation
05:38 Components of Autonomous Vehicles: Sensors and Technology
09:40 Teleoperation vs. Autonomy: Key Differences
15:29 The Role of HD Mapping in Autonomous Driving
20:08 Connectivity and Its Importance in Autonomous Vehicles
26:58 ADAS vs. Fully Autonomous Vehicles: Market Differences
33:37 The Future of Autonomous Vehicles: Fleet vs. Private Ownership
37:05 Exploring Different Brands and Their Approaches
44:14 The Role of Collaboration in Autonomous Vehicle Development
50:28 Challenges and Opportunities for Autonomous Vehicles
53:02 A Bright Future for Autonomous Public Transport