I noticed something different at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year: the discussion around autonomous vehicles (AVs) shifted from “when will the technology be ready?” to “how do we deploy the technology in the best way?”. I sat on two panel sessions discussing near-term applications of AVs, one focused on metropolitan deployments (like Pittsburgh, one of the emerging centers for AV development), and the other on rural cities (like Grand Rapids, MN, a town of 12,000 people where May Mobility already provides service). This shift towards applications reflects an underlying change: AV technology is ready. Multiple autonomous vehicle companies are providing great rides in the United States– with a few, like Waymo, Cruise, and May Mobility, having launched service without safety operators. While not perfect, AV technology now outperforms human drivers. In short, our cities would be safer places if human-driven vehicles were replaced with autonomous vehicles. But should AVs be deployed, and if so, within what limits? This is where two key CES themes came out: data transparency, and socially responsible deployments. Data transparency is critical to making the safety argument. Sure, AV companies themselves might claim to be safe, but should the public take their word for it? The resounding answer was no: AV companies should “show their work” and bring receipts. One challenge to transparency is that AV companies have often viewed cities and regulators as a barrier– after all, it’s the regulators that can say “no” to a company’s plans and ambitions. At May Mobility, our business model (selling transit services to the cities, rather than to riders directly) flips this relationship around: our customer is the city itself, so rather than the city being a barrier, it is a champion and facilitator. With our business model, sharing data with cities and regulators drives the business– it’s not only the right thing to do, but it helps close deals. The second theme at CES was around socially responsible deployments. Most AV companies are pursuing a ride-hail business model: think autonomous Ubers and Lyfts. But these rideshare companies’ deployments have often cannibalized public transit ridership while failing to provide services to those with disabilities and neglecting riders in less profitable, less financially-advantaged areas. Again, May Mobility’s business model flips this around– we go where cities need us, not where the most affluent riders live. These themes show how the conversation has shifted from “when will the technology work?” to “how do we deploy the technology in the best way?”. And for many at CES, doing it right means addressing data transparency and social needs. As I’ve argued here, the choice of business model (e.g. ride-hail vs transit) has a big impact on how an AV company approaches these issues: a transit-oriented approach naturally aligns the interests of cities and AV companies.
Robert Clark
6mo
I've followed May Mobility from its inception Edwin. Agree with you 100%, and especially Transit vs. Ridehailing. I've ridden on your Arlington, TX service. Seems it's a combination of the two which is fine. "Doing it right means addressing data transparency and social needs" is the real differentiators, and reporting incidents and Safety matters top of the list.
Zeke Arlott
6mo
Great post Edwin Olson! You shared details of May Mobility's business model at length during our podcast episode & since then, with recent events that have happened in the AV industry, it appears that deploying in collaboration with cities/municipalities as a transit provider on specific routes rather than a ride-hail organization with a broader ODD is the safest and most responsible method of deployment. May Mobility have proven this & there's now multiple other organizations taking this approach to successfully deploy autonomous vehicles.
Edwin, fascinating shift! Aligning business models with community needs seems key for AV success. Curious, how do cities influence May Mobility's deployment strategies? Alex Belov 🏆 🎙️
Safety-focused, affordable and accessible tech that leads to a sustainable and meaningful adoption of autonomy is the way to go. Love what they're building at Provizio.
Kamil Litman
6mo
May Mobility was leading the way on AV data transparency long before it was cool ���
Josh Valdés
6mo
Hey, lol, can you give me a ride somewhere
Fritz Oberhummer
6mo
Autonomous Rideshare? Dara from Uber just some months ago explained on stage that they have walked away from it (for good reason: Uber drivers are now more than just rideshare); Uber has 7mio active drivers, gotta need a lot of robot to crack that
Brian Kibby
6mo
Amen in general and especially to freedom and safety! #KeepGoingEd
Scott Hoffman
6mo
Appreciate the insight and transparency, Edwin - Thanks for sharing!
Incredible insights from CES this year! 🚀 As the conversation around AVs evolves, it's all about deploying technology responsibly and ethically. As Henry Ford once said - Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success. May Mobility's approach seems to be a beacon of hope for socially responsible and transparent AV deployment. 🌟 Let's create a future where technology serves all, seamlessly blended into the fabric of our communities. 🌍✨ #InnovationForAll