Chicago’s transit system serves more than 1.5 million people every day. As the city continues to grow, it is poised to lead the world in future-focused transit. How can designers, researchers, transit experts, and creators of autonomous vehicles—buses, private pods, and more—come together to help shape a more equitable, accessible transit network to serve all Chicagoans?
On Thursday, July 19th, Metropolis Magazine and SOM co-hosted a Think Tank panel discussion focused on the future of autonomous transit in Chicago. Participants shared insight on a variety of issues, including the potential of autonomous vehicles to bolster Chicago’s extensive transit network, and the ways in which existing transit infrastructure can adapt to the city’s changing demographics to respond to the needs of communities located beyond the rail network.
SOM Partner Scott Duncan and architectural designer Seanna Walsh spoke on the panel along with Pete Costa of NelsonNygaard, David Leopold of UI Labs, and Pierre Bourgin of Navya. Susan Szenasy, Director of Design Innovation for Metropolis Magazine, moderated the panel discussion. The event took place at UI Labs on Goose Island and was streamed live on SOM’s Facebook page.