In this episode, I’m chatting with Kelly Ferguson of Automotus, a curb management company on a mission to create safer, more efficient and more sustainable streets. We’ll chat about how curb management has typically worked in the past, how Automotus helps cities and gig workers, plus new city pilots to better optimize curb usage.
Intro to Kelly Ferguson
- Chief of Staff at Automotus
- 15+ years of experience in new product development, public/private partnerships, community engagement and more
- Before Automotus, Kelly was the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator’s first Director of Pilots
- As Chief of Staff, Kelly has supported Automotus curbside analytics and Smart Loading Zones rollouts in LA, Pittsburgh, Omaha and more
What is Automotus?
- Curb management company on a mission to create safer, more efficient, and more sustainable streets
- Less congestion, fewer tickets
- Uses computer analytics to determine peak demand
- Smart loading zones
Why is the Curb so Important?
- 50% of curb activity is commercial
- Goal is to right size and find solutions for cities
- Using curbs correctly benefit many – drivers, gig workers, cyclists, and cities
- Smart loading zones are pay by the minute
How Has Delivery and Curb Management Changed?
- Cities are becoming more flexible with curbspace and are taking action to optimize utilization
- Cities becoming more aware of the challenges delivery and gig drivers face
- Pittsburgh, PA – smart loading zone pilot
- Drivers are educated about these programs through businesses and on the ground
What’s Next for Automotus?
- Pittsburgh Smart loading Zones project
- NYC policies and pilot programs
- Seattle studies and grant
- In general, parking minimums ban trend
