#shifthappens podcast

Technology has always promised progress, but its true test lies in how it serves people. Urban mobility illustrates this tension particularly clearly. Cities around the world grapple with congestion, sustainability goals, and fragmented communities, and autonomous transit is emerging not just as a technical innovation, but as a potential social one. 

For this #shifthappens episode, Michael Kelly, Chief Strategy Officer of Mozee, shares lessons from deploying people-first autonomous transit. His insights highlight a critical principle: technology scales best when it starts with empathy, trust, and the human experience. 

Pinpoint Where Autonomy Adds Community Value 

Autonomous mobility isn’t about replacing existing transport — it’s about filling gaps where current systems fall short. Many everyday trips, like those “too-short-to-Uber, too-far-to-walk” journeys, are overlooked yet critical to how people navigate their cities. 

Cities, campuses, and downtown districts can benefit most when autonomous systems complement, rather than compete with, traditional transit. Starting with these spaces allows planners and operators to deliver practical, tangible improvements for riders. The lesson is clear: identifying the right niche is often more impactful than deploying technology everywhere at once. 

Prioritize Passenger Trust 

For Michael, trust is the cornerstone of autonomy. It’s what transforms advanced technology into something people actually use. 

That is why every Mozee vehicle includes a safety steward — a trained team member who ensures each ride is safe, welcoming, and human-centered. “We still have a safety steward onboard, not just for safety but to be that friendly face who helps you feel comfortable with the technology. That’s how we build trust, step by step,” he mentions. 

Comfort precedes confidence. Just as elevator operators helped the public trust automation a century ago, modern transit initiatives benefit from deliberate steps that bridge curiosity and confidence. Transparency, clear communication, and human support can turn skepticism into adoption, making technology both approachable and inclusive. 

Pilot Short, Familiar Routes, Then Scale 

Successful adoption often mirrors human learning: start small, gain experience, and expand gradually. Short, predictable pilot routes allow communities to experience autonomous transit with low risk, while providing measurable proof of reliability and operational readiness. 

Early wins build confidence and generate valuable data to inform future scaling. This “pilot first, then evolve” approach reduces barriers to entry for municipalities and sets a sustainable path for expansion. Once public trust and operational reliability are established, scaling becomes a process of iteration, not speculation. 

Design for Real-World Conditions 

Autonomy succeeds only when it performs reliably in everyday, unpredictable environments.  

According to Michael, Mozee’s vehicles process data directly on-device, unlike systems that rely heavily on cloud connections. This architecture enables faster decision-making, stronger privacy, and uninterrupted performance, even in the event of network connectivity disruptions. 

Systems must operate seamlessly across dense urban streets, campus roads, and areas with limited connectivity. Designing with resilience, privacy, and redundancy in mind ensures technology works for people, not just in controlled tests. The result is technology that delivers meaningful, sustained value while addressing the complex realities of cities, where reliability, safety, and adaptability are paramount. 

Design with the City in Mind 

Technology rarely thrives in isolation. Cities are complex systems with unique infrastructure, regulations, and priorities. Autonomous transit initiatives succeed when they collaborate with local stakeholders – planners, businesses, and community members – to align deployments with shared goals.