Engaging publics in the transition to smart mobilities

Abstract

Commercial and public sector interests surrounding technological developments are promoting a widespread transition to autonomous vehicles, intelligent transportation systems and smart phone communications in everyday life, as part of the smart mobility agenda. There is, however, inadequate understanding about the impact of such a shift on potential users, their readiness to engage and their vision of transportation systems for the future. This paper presents the findings from a series of citizen panels, as part of a 2-year project based in south-west England, focusing on in-depth discussions regarding the future of commuting, the flow of the daily commute and the inclusion of publics in smart mobility planning. The paper makes three key propositions for researchers: enabling publics should lead to a visionary evolution in the development of sustainable transportation systems; commercial interests, public bodies and IT innovators must employ a holistic approach to mobility flows; and, processes engaging publics need to be inclusive when co-creating solutions in the transition to smart mobilities.