Background

Autonomous vehicles are beginning to play an increasingly important role in the future of public transportation, offering opportunities to improve service efficiency, enhance safety, expand accessibility and provide more flexible mobility options. Transit agencies and operators are exploring autonomous buses, shuttles and shared mobility services to strengthen existing public transport networks, improve first- and last-mile connectivity and serve areas where conventional fixed-route services may be difficult to sustain. The transition is gradually moving beyond small-scale demonstrations towards real-world operations. 

Recent policy and regulatory developments are creating new opportunities for transit automation. In 2026, California adopted updated AV regulations that opened new pathways for larger autonomous vehicles, including certain transit applications, while strengthening safety and operational oversight. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has also updated its transit bus automation policy guidance and continues to advance research into automated shuttles, bus rapid transit, advanced driver assistance systems, mobility-on-demand services and automated maintenance and yard operations. Across the United States, transit agencies are evaluating applications ranging from precision docking and automated bus operations to autonomous microtransit and depot automation. These developments highlight the growing potential for autonomous technologies to support public transportation, while underscoring the importance of appropriate regulatory frameworks, infrastructure readiness and operational integration.
 
Despite this progress, several challenges remain before autonomous vehicles can be deployed at scale across public transport networks. Transit agencies must evaluate the financial and operational viability of autonomous services, determine appropriate deployment models, ensure passenger and pedestrian safety, and address accessibility and cybersecurity requirements. Integrating autonomous vehicles with existing bus and rail networks, developing reliable digital and charging infrastructure, managing mixed fleets and preparing employees for new operational responsibilities are equally important considerations. As autonomous vehicle technology matures, greater attention is being directed towards practical implementation, including procurement strategies, partnerships between transit agencies and technology providers, fleet management, workforce transformation and the development of sustainable business models. Ensuring that autonomous mobility complements public transport and delivers measurable benefits to passengers and communities will be central to its long-term adoption.

Against this backdrop, AV America and Global Mass Transit are organising the ninth edition of the Autonomous Vehicles and Public Transport Conference on January 27–28, 2027, in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Mission

The mission of the conference is to examine recent developments, emerging trends and progress in the deployment of autonomous vehicles for public transportation, with a particular focus on moving from pilot projects to scalable and commercially viable operations. It will explore policy and regulatory frameworks, transit agency strategies, autonomous bus and shuttle deployments, integration with existing public transport systems, enabling technologies, infrastructure requirements, safety, accessibility and workforce transformation. Through case studies, project experiences, technology showcases and executive discussions, the conference will bring together transit agencies and operators, government authorities, metropolitan planning organisations, AV manufacturers, technology suppliers, infrastructure providers, research institutions and industry stakeholders to share best practices and identify strategies for accelerating the safe, efficient and sustainable integration of autonomous vehicles into public transportation.

Key topics to be discussed

• Policies, guidelines, and regulations driving the development of AVs
• AVs in public transit and the future of mobility
• Role of transit agencies/operators in the connected autonomous mobility future
• Autonomous buses and shuttles: deployment experiences and lessons learned
• OEM and operator perspectives – scaling shuttles, robotaxis, and fleet electrification
• AI, deep learning, and autonomous driving software stacks
• Sensor fusion: LiDAR, RADAR, cameras, and INS systems
• Cloud computing and edge AI for AV coordination
• ADAS systems for safety and route optimisation
• Digital infrastructure needs: V2X, V2I, V2V communication systems
• 5G/6G readiness and network reliability for autonomous operations
• Digital twins for simulation, modeling, and real-time system optimisation
• Charging and energy supply infrastructure for autonomous bus and shuttle fleets
• Safety and cybersecurity in AV public transport
• Automating bus yards (ABY)
• Public acceptance, passenger trust, and accessibility considerations
• The future of shared, on-demand, and last-mile mobility using AVs
• Transit agency activities for labor force transformation

Highlights from 2026 edition

DAYS TO GO

When

January 27-28, 2027
San Francisco Bay Area

Planner Details