Local transportation stakeholders, government and business representatives, and researchers gathered at UCLA recently to address the challenges around automated vehicles, vehicle-to-everything connectivity, artificial intelligence, mobility services and safety.
The transformative effects of smartphone-driven apps for ride-hailing, shared scooters and real-time transit tools were among the featured topics at the daylong workshop hosted by the federally funded Center of Excellence on New Mobility and Automated Vehicles, which is based at UCLA. The discussions extended to optimizing access to and from the Athletes Village on the UCLA campus for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as attendees exchanged ideas and discussed current capabilities, as well as challenges.
Across the April 15 event, participants shared key technical and policy concerns, while industry leaders highlighted current projects and future needs. The researchers also showcased their expertise and available tools for collaboration.
Jiaqi Ma, the center’s director, said the workshop’s goals were to learn how UCLA researchers can help support and accelerate stakeholders’ mobility technology priorities.
“This workshop has spotlighted some of the most pressing mobility challenges, and we’re excited to continue working with our government, industry and academic partners to develop innovative solutions,” said Ma, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and faculty associate director at the UCLA Institute for Transportation Studies. “I also hope we’ve helped lay the foundation for a strong, collaborative network — one where we can share ideas, best practices and support one another in the work ahead.”
California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin, in a recorded video message, thanked participants for their commitment to expanding mobility technologies and improving quality of life across the state.
