In this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the intersection of automation, urban policy, and the future of cities. They discuss the intrinsic value of streets and urban spaces, the need for transformative land use, and the challenges facing public transportation systems. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of adapting to technological changes while ensuring inclusivity and community engagement in urban planning.

#automation #urban policy #streets #publictransportation #landuse #economicimpacts #AI #urbanplanning #mobility #infrastructure

Takeaways
-Automation and innovation can reshape urban spaces.
-Streets should be viewed as critical infrastructure with economic value.
-Zoning laws need to be reformed to adapt to modern needs.
-Public transportation must improve its customer experience.
-Cities should facilitate organic growth and experimentation.
-The curb space is becoming increasingly valuable due to demand.
-Public transit systems are struggling with outdated models.
-There is a generational divide in attitudes towards urban development.
-Automation can create new job opportunities if managed well.
-Community engagement is essential for successful urban policy.

Sound bites
"The curb has intrinsic economic value."
"We have to let people experiment."
"Zoning is completely broken."

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the American Edge
02:04 - Healthcare and Global Disease Impact
03:14 - Urban Policy and Automation
05:52 - Reframing Streets as Critical Infrastructure
08:21 - The Dynamic Value of Curb Space
10:27 - Perception of Chaos in Automated Solutions
13:22 - Generational Perspectives on Infrastructure
15:31 - The Promise of Automation for Future Generations
20:08 - The Evolution of Urban Spaces
26:55 - Rethinking Public Transportation
39:43 - The Future of Jobs and Infrastructure

Additional Content

• Riggs, W. (2022). End of the Road: Reimagining the Street As the Heart of the City. Bristol University Press. https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/end-of-the-road
• Riggs, W. (2024) Advances in Automated Driving: Perceptions of Safety, Operations and Comfort From Riders (June 30, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5318692
• Riggs, W. (2024) Designing the Future Curb: Eight Visions for Adaptive Urban Edges (December 01, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5283742 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5283742