CC 4 Who is in the driver’s seat? Governing automated mobility

28 April 2026

Co-Created Session

Co-Created Session • CC 4 • 14:00 > 15:00 • CC 4 Who is in the driver’s seat? Governing automated mobility • ÜSKÜDAR 1 Co-Created Session
"As automated mobility shifts from experimentation to real-world deployment, cities are increasingly confronted with fundamental governance choices. Beyond the technology itself, the key question becomes who defines the conditions under which automated services are allowed to operate at scale, and according to which public values. This session will explore what cities should require before opening their streets to automation, considering principles such as safety, accessibility, inclusiveness, sustainability, and public oversight.
The discussion will examine whether automation should be understood as a gradual evolution of today’s mobility systems or whether it demands a more deliberate break with existing transport models, regulatory frameworks, and institutional roles. What risks do cities face if automation is deployed without clear long-term objectives, and what might a failure scenario look like in terms of congestion, inequality, loss of public control, or dependence on private platforms?
A central focus will be citizen perception and trust. What factors will determine whether automated mobility is experienced as a genuine improvement to public services, enhancing reliability, safety, and access, or as a loss of democratic control over urban space and mobility choices? Finally, the session will look ahead to Europe’s role in shaping automated mobility. If Europe is to pursue a distinct approach, what should differentiate it from other global models? Which use cases best reflect European priorities around public value, social cohesion, and climate goals, and how can governance frameworks ensure automation serves cities rather than the other way around?"

• INT4 •