ACES Mobility Coalition Leads Shared Autonomous Mobility Discussion at ITS America in Detroit

Following its strategic planning session in Detroit, ACES Mobility Coalition members participated in the ITS America Conference & Expo, held June 9–12, where shared autonomous mobility and its growing impact on public transportation were important topics of discussion.

As part of the conference, ACES hosted its own panel, “Concept to Deployment – Shared Autonomous Mobility is Changing the Transportation Landscape,” moderated by ACES Executive Director Joshua Schank. The session brought together leaders from across the shared autonomous mobility ecosystem to discuss how communities are moving beyond pilots and beginning to integrate autonomous mobility into broader public transportation networks.

Panelists included (left to right) Kimberly Menefee, Executive Director of the Cumberland Community Improvement District; Frank Martz, City Manager for the City of Altamonte Springs; Nathaniel Ford, CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority; and Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline. Together, they shared insights from active deployments and community-focused projects that are helping shape the future of shared autonomous mobility.

The discussion highlighted how public agencies, cities, innovators and deployers are working together to improve access, strengthen first- and last-mile connections, support safer transportation systems and build greater public trust. Panelists also addressed the operational, regulatory, funding and workforce considerations that must be resolved as shared autonomous mobility moves from concept to scalable, community-integrated service.

The session reinforced the important role the Coalition plays in bringing together the full spectrum of leaders needed to advance shared autonomous mobility and help communities across the country turn emerging technology into practical public transportation solutions.