Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) are often seen as a game changer for urban mobility - but how can they realistically complement public transport systems? In this session, speakers from New Mobility Services Hamburg and ADASTEC explore how automated and connected vehicles can be integrated into the public transport chain, from first- and last-mile solutions to flexible, demand-driven services. Drawing on real-world experiences and pilots, they will discuss opportunities, challenges, and the conditions needed for CAVs to add real value to public transport networks and contribute to more accessible, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility.
Born in 1959, Ali İhsan Danışman graduated from Istanbul Technical University with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1981. With decades of international experience in business development and strategic growth, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Chief Growth Officer at ADASTEC. Ali İhsan leads growth initiatives at ADASTEC, focusing on scaling SAE Level-4 automated bus solutions through strategic market development and long-term partnerships. With a strong business mindset and extensive experience, he plays a key role in strengthening ADASTEC’s presence in key markets, particularly the UK and the Middle East, where he builds and manages high-impact stakeholder relationships.
Chris Riley is the Chief Commercial Officer of Glydways, responsible for growing global business, partnerships and corporate reputation.
Glydways is a new mass transit system, that revolutionizes both the transit rider experience and traditional poor economics. It offers every individual a personal on demand, non-stop, 24/7 journey in their own autonomous electric vehicle, at a very low price. And for cities, Glydways offers much lower costs to build and run compared with other transit modes. When combined with higher ridership, this attracts private financing and helps create profitable public transit systems that do not require subsidies.
Now based in the Bay Area in California, Chris has a business and marketing background, having held senior positions with Ogilvy in Asia Pacific advising global brands for over 30 years. This creative enterprise experience is ideal for helping to bring Glydways to new markets and scale operations as it becomes operationally ready.
Glydways has already been awarded several contracts for San Jose City, East Contra Costa County in California, Port Authority NYNJ, Bluewaters Dubai and has recently broken ground for a Pilot Demonstration in South Metro Atlanta, which opens to the public in December 2026. Additionally, there are hundreds of other live discussions on projects with interested stakeholders across the world.
Glydways recently achieved a close for a successful Series C investment round which is backed by Suzuki, Khosla Ventures, ACS Infra, Obayashi, New Science Ventures, ENEOS, Mitsui Chemicals, Sam Altman and Gates Frontier.
As Glydways continues to expand, it’s more than 250 employees believe that we offer a solution that cities urgently need to help solve congestion, and that provides a uniquely better way to move people.
William (Billy) Riggs, Ph.D., AICP, LEED AP, is a professor at the University of San Francisco and Director of the Autonomous Vehicles & the City Initiative. A global expert on urban technology, future mobility, and sustainable design, he is driven by a vision to shape the built environment for good. His work bridges academia, government, and industry, spanning autonomous vehicle research with Waymo and Cruise, sustainable community planning with at the Coast Guard, UC Berkeley and ARUP, and large-scale mobility projects across Europe.
Riggs has authored more than 100 publications and three books, including End of the Road: Reimagining the Street as the Heart of the City. His research and commentary have been featured in The Economist, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, PBS, and others. Alongside his academic role, he advises startups, funds, and design ventures focused on ESG and sustainable infrastructure, and he is the founder of the blockchain community development non-profit SFLuv and sits on the Transportation Research Board Committee on Roadside Landscape and Environmental Design, Operations and Maintenance.
