Next Stop: Autonomous Transit and the Evolving Workforce

Unlike many AVs on the road today, Zoox designed its robotaxi from the ground up without traditional driving controls. Their desire to engineer safety into the vehicle's DNA from the start meant Zoox had to build its safety case before ever driving on public roads. Tune in for a virtual fireside chat with Qi Hommes for a look inside Zoox’s approach to its purpose-built safety case.

In this episode of the PAVEcast, we sat down with Dr. Joe Dzierzewski and Dr. Mark Rosekind for a conversation on the dangers of drowsy driving. Tune in to learn about the importance of sleep for road safety, get a preview of NSF's upcoming Drowsy Driving Forum, and find out how automated vehicles fit into the picture.For more information about the forum taking place on October 29, click here. 

Much of the growing conversation around autonomous mobility and the workforce has focused on ride-hailing and long-haul trucking. But public transit is another area in which automation is helping agencies address workforce challenges while creating new economic opportunities. Tune in for a conversation exploring this topic, featuring Art Guzzetti of APTA, Justin Johnson of The PLUM Catalyst, Cemre Kavvasoglu of ADASTEC, and Eran Ofir of Imagry.

Connected and autonomous vehicles are transforming the movement of people and goods, but their implications extend beyond safety and mobility. In this episode of the PAVEcast, we interview Rachel McCleery, Executive Director of the Coalition for Reimagined Mobility at SAFE. Our conversation explores the intersection of vehicle connectivity and national security, the evolving policy landscape, and why U.S. leadership in advanced transportation technology matters.Further Reading:Learn more about SAFERead the AI in Motion Report

As AVs continue to advance on city streets and highways, automated vehicle technology is also expanding into new environments. From mining and defense to depot operations, automation is improving safety, efficiency, and productivity across different sectors.Tune in for a conversation on how AV technology is being applied in these unique contexts and what lessons they offer for the broader future of autonomous vehicles. You'll hear from Paul Benfield of Forterra, Pete Bigelow of Kodiak, and Anuja Sonalker of STEER.

In this episode of the PAVEcast, we interview Matt Blackburn of Aurora on the findings of a recent Steer Group study highlighting the economic benefits of the autonomous trucking sector. Tune in for a discussion on the importance of separating fact from fiction, the future of the trucking workforce, and real-world consumer impacts. Further Reading:Read the study Learn about the US AV Jobs Coalition

Earlier this spring, PAVE and Stantec partnered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to host an educational and experiential AV Day at the Capitol for state policymakers and other community leaders. Tune in for a conversation exploring the public sector’s role in AV education and engagement, using Minnesota’s recent event as a case study. Speakers include Tara Andringa of PAVE, Thomas Johnson-Kaiser and Tara Olds of MnDOT, and Greg Rodriguez of Stantec.

For autonomous vehicles (AVs) and human drivers alike, work zones present complex driving environments. Shifting lane markings, outdated map data, and the presence of human workers can make operating in these dynamic conditions especially challenging. Tune in for a conversation exploring how the AV industry is addressing these challenges and what opportunities lie ahead.

With AVs gaining visibility across the country, many people are asking how their safety compares to that of human drivers. But is a human the right benchmark for safe driving? Tune in for a conversation to explore this topic. Panelists include Michelle Fowler of TRC, Kristofer Kusano of Waymo, and Michael Wagner of Edge Case.

In October 2025, the Autonomous Vehicle Safety Consortium (AVSC) published a best practice on assessing AV safety case claims supported by evidence. In this episode of the PAVEcast, we sat down with AVSC Executive Director Darcyne Foldenauer to learn more. Darcyne explains the fundamentals of safety cases, the importance of clearly linking evidence to claims, and the need for greater consistency in how safety is evaluated and communicated.Learn more about AVSC: https://avsc.sae-itc.com/Read the best practice: https://avsc.sae-itc.com/publication/avsc-d-04-2025