Preparing For Connected And Automated Vehicles Strategic Plan

Preparing for Connected and Automated VehiclesConnected and Automated Vehicle (CAV): A vehiclethat is both connected and automated. This vehicle isequipped with various hardware and software that arecollectively capable of wirelessly communicating with theworld around it (other vehicles, traffic signals, the cloud,etc.) and performing part or all of the real-time operationaland tactical functions required to operate in on-road traffic.Connected Vehicles PlatooningImage Courtesy of the U.S. Department of TransportationNote: The term “CAV” referenced in this document hasa broad range of meanings. On one end CAV implies apotential future transportation network where a significantpercentage of the share of vehicles on public roadwayscommunicate with nearly everything around them andcan operate with little to no human control. However, theexact timing, impacts and full extent of this scenario areuncertain at this point. On the other end of the range,incremental CAV technological advances are beingincorporated into the transportation network today. Thesetechnological advances come in the form of automateddriver assistance technologies that are included in mostnew model year vehicles sold today. These technologicaladvances also include the higher-level automated drivingsystems (ADS) and CV communications that are currentlybeing developed, tested and deployed by automakers,researchers and IOOs in closed course environments andon limited public roadways around the world.Over the next few decades, if CAV reaches a critical masson the roadway the range of impacts could be extensive.The proliferation of CAV could cause large-scale changesto road use that may have dramatic implications (somedesired, some challenging) for transportation safety,mobility, transit operations, workforce development,personal privacy and security, public investment ininfrastructure, among many other broad issues.Chief among the potential impacts of most importance tothe CTDOT is the prospective for CAV to bring dramaticimprovements to transportation safety. Currently almost95% of all roadway crashes in the United States are causedby some form of human error1, which kill about 40,000Americans on the roadway each year. In a typical year inConnecticut, over 100,000 crashes, more than 30,000injuries and more than 250 deaths are the result of humanerror2. If CAV technological capabilities continue to matureand market penetration rates of CAV technologies increase,there could be the potential for significant improvements intransportation safety. This may allow the CTDOT as well asother transportation agencies around the country to betterachieve their transportation safety goals and ultimately getmuch closer to zero deaths on the roadway.In addition to dramatically improving safety, the potentialfor CAV to also help reduce congestion and enhanceindividual mobility options through the development ofbetter coordinated transportation networks, increasedvehicle efficiencies and shared mobility services areother key areas of interest for the CTDOT. Typically, inConnecticut, about 80% of commuters drive alone to andfrom work every day and the average driver sits in trafficfor more than 40 hours (more than a full work week) peryear. This congestion costs each Connecticut driver about 1,000 in lost time and wasted fuel3.In addition to the lack of efficiencies and economiccosts brought on by congestion, for many Connecticutfamilies, especially low-income families, the reality orprospect of owning a vehicle and/or having accessto quality and reliable transit services are the biggestladders of opportunity for economic success. With theevolution of new shared mobility options provided by CAV,the traditional transportation mobility and accessibilityoptions of today that are constrained by vehicle ownershipmodels, and an individual’s ability to drive or access publictransportation may change significantly in a CAV future.If this shared mobility model of CAV comes to fruition, itcould provide more transportation options for all usersof the transportation system, regardless of an individual’sincome status, or physical, or mental abilities. This CAVshared mobility model also enables individuals to age inplace, particularly in Connecticut, where the average lifeexpectancy is one of the longest in the United States (80 years),4 and where the senior population is expected toincrease 60% by 20405.While the prospective safety, mobility and other benefitsof CAV are promising, in order for these benefits /tag/seniors1236Connecticut Department of Transportation

Preparing for Connected and Automated Vehiclesbe realized, CAV technologies will need to becomewidespread. As of today, the viewpoints among manyindustry experts differ considerably when this may happen.Some of the commonly discussed early actions neededto support or prepare for the advancement and massproliferation of CAV are extensive and require significantcooperative efforts among a diverse group of public andprivate sector entities to accomplish. Examples of some ofthese actions are bulleted below. Over the coming years,the CTDOT will work with others at the local, state, regionaland national level to help address some of these issuesand participate in efforts to advance the potential for a CAVfuture that supports the CTDOT’s goals.Actions Needed to Advance CAV Increased testing and deployments of CAVtechnologies and equipment within laboratories,controlled testbeds and especially on public roadwaysaround the country; Establishment of additional and effective nationalindustry standards to promote safe, reliable, consistent,and interoperable deployment of CAV technologiesthat are more future proof and provide both industryand infrastructure owner operators (IOO) with theconfidence needed to invest more of their time,resources, equipment and infrastructure into CAVtechnologies; Federal Communications Commission (FCC)preservation of the entire 5.9GHz spectrum6 (safetyband) to limit interference issues and enable andensure full connectivity options for CAV technologies;and Vast improvements in the general publicunderstanding, experience and acceptance of CAVtechnologies.V2I Increased public sector investments andimprovements in surface transportation SOGR andcooperative CAV infrastructure to enhance the safety,performance and capabilities of CAV; Development of consistent laws, regulations andpolicies among all levels of government throughoutthe country that support seamless operation of CAVacross all jurisdictions;V2NVehicle to InfrastructureVehicle to NetworkVehicle to EverythingV2PVehicle to PedestrianV2VVehicle to VehileTypes of Connected Vehicle CommunicationSAE Levels of AutomationGraphic Courtesy of SAE6See Appendix A for definition of 5.9GHz spectrumConnecticut Department of Transportation7

Preparing for Connected and Automated Vehicles03Vision, Perspective,and StrategyOutlined below is CTDOT’s vision, perspective andstrategy for a CAV future.VisionThe future of CAV transportation is safe, secureand seamlessly operated across all jurisdictions.As part of this CAV vision, the CTDOT is committed tolook for ways in which CAV technologies can becomea powerful tool to help meet a variety of the CTDOT’sgoals to: Improve safety for all transportation users; Enhance mobility, accessibility and reliability of thetransportation network; Reduce and better manage congestion; Support SOGR needs and infrastructure upgrades; Provide greater efficiencies for highway and transitoperations and maintenance; Improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gasemissions; and Support economic growthConnecticut Department of TransportationPerspectiveThe CTDOT is keenly focused on a service-oriented,infrastructure-based, and multimodal approach towardsthe advancement of CAV that addresses both currentand future (evolving) public transportation and highwaytransportation needs.The CTDOT seeks to be a leader in the development,testing and implementation of CAV technologies for publictransportation purposes. In the near-term, the CTDOT ownsa state-of-the-art CTfastrak bus rapid transit (BRT) facilitythat it will use to safely test and deploy CAV technologieson full size busses. Over the long-term, the CTDOT intendsto continue to evaluate the capabilities and performanceof CAV technologies as tools to help address transitchallenges facing the state, including the need to continueto provide equitable and cost-efficient transit services.The CTDOT intends to leverage CAV technologies tomodernize Connecticut’s large fixed route transit services,while also investing in smaller, door-to-door, first/last mile,on-demand, micro transit services.For highways, the CTDOT is committed to investing inthe preparation of leadership, staff and infrastructure bytaking an asset management approach to support thefuture implementation of CAV on Connecticut’s roadways.In the near-term, the CTDOT will conduct pilot testingof CAV applications and infrastructure on public roadtestbeds, including the Berlin Turnpike and CTfastrak.The experience gained from the pilot testing will providevaluable hands-on technical experience and lessonslearned. The CTDOT will then apply this experience toimprove other projects, to better inform the replacementand maintenance needs of critical roadway assets thatsupport CAV and to provide insight and guidance tonational committees as the formation of related CAVstandards are being discussed. Such activities will require8

Preparing for Connected and Automated Vehiclesdedication of internal staff and resources within the CTDOTto support and maintain these efforts. Over the long-term,the CTDOT will continue to evaluate the advancement ofCAV technologies and the CTDOT’s ability to support themat a larger scale, as applicable.One of the key improvements that will always be beneficialfor both the future of CAV and to human drivers is theneed to continually improve and maintain infrastructurein a SOGR. The CTDOT always prioritizes SOGR needsand will continue to do so in preparation for CAV. Thatsaid, while the CTDOT attempts to optimize its availableresources to improve and maintain as much of thestatewide infrastructure in a SOGR as possible, theCTDOT also firmly advocates that the performance of CAVtechnologies should not become overly dependent on theIOOs. CAV needs to have enough redundancies built in tooperate safely in all existing roadways and infrastructureconditions, without becoming overly reliable on an IOO’sability to maintain pristine roads and update their roadsideequipment to the latest versions of technology.StrategyTo maximize the potential benefits of swiftly evolvingCAV technologies, while recognizing a growing list ofuncertainties, the CTDOT has developed a two-fold, nearterm and long-term strategy to best prepare for CAV:Near-Term Strategy (2021 – 2025): The CTDOT willfocus its CAV objectives and actions on tangibles anddeliverables, centered around the multiple facets ofCAV technologies ,where there has been and continuesto be significant advancements by both industryand public sector. This includes a variety of activities,including, early policy coordination and development;assessments of workforce and infrastructurereadiness; experience deploying pilot projects; andother activities.Long-Term Strategy (beyond 2025): The CTDOTwill continue to establish a timely feedback loop toadapt to and engage with on-going advancementsin CAV technologies, policies and readiness in orderto prepare for and support larger CAV deployments,to develop more comprehensive CAV policies, andto commit to upgrading the State’s infrastructure andworkforce for cooperative automation. This long-termstrategy will be part of an overall assessment of theCTDOT’s own capabilities to implement multimodalCAV supportive infrastructure programs and tofacilitate CAV technologies and services at largerscale subject to available funding, standards, marketpenetration and readiness.CTDOT test rides an automated shuttle at the University of MichiganConnecticut Department of Transportation9

Preparing for Connected and Automated Vehicles04Near-Term Objectivesand ActionsOutlined below is detailed information about each of theobjectives and actions that the CTDOT will focus on in the nearterm (2021 - 2026) to best prepare for a CAV future.Objective 1 — Strengthen InternalSupport for CAV by Establishing aCentral Structure to Set Direction and toCoordinate Related Planning, Actions andNeeds Across the CTDOTEngineering and Construction. A secretary will be selectedfrom the Bureau of Policy and Planning. Regular meetingswill be scheduled, and sub-committees may be formed asneeded to focus on relevant aspects of CAV most critical tothe CTDOT.As other state transportation agencies across the countryincrease their knowledge base and experience withCAV technologies, many of them are developing internalstructures to provide direction and to coordinate activitiesacross their organizations. Similarly, as the CTDOT getsmore involved with various CAV initiatives, it is essential thatthe CTDOT develop an internal structure to set directionand to coordinate related planning, actions and needsacross the agency.SUPPORTIVE ACTIONS:Establish CAV Standing CommitteeThe establishment of a new internal CAV standingcommittee will serve as the central structure to provideguidance and direction to help grow, coordinate andsustain the CTDOT’s overall interests and involvement withCAV technologies. Executive oversight will be provided bythe Office of the Commissioner. Participating memberswill be comprised of both upper management andsubject matter experts representing key organizationalareas across the CTDOT that are likely to be affectedby the deployment of CAV technologies. Co-chairs willbe selected from the Bureau of Public Transportationand the Bureau of Highway Operations or the Bureau ofConnecticut Department of TransportationFigure 1- Connecticut DOT CAV Standing Committee Structure10

Preparing for Connected and Automated VehiclesEstablish CAV Lead for CTDOTA lead CAV position within the Bureau of Policy andPlanning will be designated to focus on and coordinate theCTDOT’s CAV preparedness and activities. This positionwill serve as the Secretary on the CAV standing committeeand will work directly with the other officers and membersof the CAV Standing Committee and each of the affectedoffices throughout the CTDOT to help organize related CAVplanning, actions and needs.Establish CAV Designees Within Each BureauNew technologies like CAV need to have a dedicated,multi-disciplinary group within the CTDOT to furtherinnovation. As a result, each Bureau within the CTDOTwill designate appropriate personnel, including staff and/or management to be regularly involved with and workon CAV-related activities. For Bureaus that have multipledisciplines that could be impacted by CAV, multiple CAVdesignees may also need to be identified. For someBureaus, new positions dedicated to CAV may be neededto sustain this effort, while also being able to balancetheir workloads and corresponding responsibilities. TheCTDOT’s Executive Team will work with each Bureau toestablish the appropriate personnel required to supportCAV.Objective 2: — Expand the CTDOT’sGeneral Workforce Knowledge andUnderstanding of CAV Technologies byEngaging in CAV Training Opportunitiesas well as CAV Pooled Fund Studies andResearchExpanding general workforce knowledge andunderstanding of CAV technologies is a critical early stepfor the CTDOT to take towards the successful adoption ofCAV. Participation in related training opportunities for allareas and levels of the CTDOT will help to foster continuityof operations and begin to educate the workforce aboutnew skillsets and resources that may be required tooversee new forms of transportation under a CAV future.Additionally, participating in CAV pooled fund studies andresearch enables the CTDOT to learn from others andbegin to better understand and address specific CAVchallenges and opportunities facing state transportationagencies.SUPPORTIVE ACTIONS:Provide CAV Training for the CTDOT’s Managementand StaffDue to the potential disruptive nature of CAV technologies,there is a wide range of functional areas across the CTDOTthat could be impacted. The CTDOT’s CAV standingcommittee and CAV lead will explore available options toprovide relevant instructional training for management andstaff that help evaluate the potential CAV technologicalrisks and opportunities for the CTDOT’s existing programareas and processes. CAV training may include web-basedcurriculums, seminars, workshops, lunch and learns, peerexchanges, literature reviews, tours, site trips, conferencesand coordination with Connecticut’s Local TechnicalAssistance Program, other state transportation agencies,federal agencies, universities and regional/nationalassociations, etc. These training opportunities will helpequip the CTDOT with the effective tools to conduct properCAV planning and update and/or establish new protocols.Participate in CAV Pooled Fund Studies and OtherResearch OpportunitiesThe CAV standing committee and CAV lead will alsowork with the CTDOT’s Executive Team and the Office ofResearch as needed to recommend participation in variousCAV pooled fund studies and/or other related CAV studiesor research efforts critical to the CTDOT’s interests andneeds. Outlined below are descriptions of the national CAVpooled fund studies that the CTDOT currently financiallysupports and participates in.Connected Vehicle Pooled Fund StudyCTDOT at CV Pooled Fund Demonstration in Atlanta, GAConnecticut Department of TransportationThe Connected Vehicle Pooled Fund Study (CV PFS)is a research consortium of local, state, national andinternational transportation agencies and IOOs led by theVirginia Department of Transportation that plays a leadingpublic sector role in advancing CV systems. To date, morethan half of the state transportation agencies aroundthe country are members of the CV PFS, with active and11

Preparing for Connected and Automated Vehiclesfinancial participation from Federal Highway Administration(FHWA), Transport Canada, several large engineering andresearch universities, consultants, vendors and many of themajor automakers.Objective 3 —Advance CAV Pilots andDemonstration Projects in Connecticutto Gain “Hands-On” Experience andUnderstand Early BenefitsIn 2018, the CTDOT joined the CV PFS to collaborate withother states who are more experienced working with CVtechnologies to improve the CTDOT’s knowledge andunderstanding of CV systems. The CTDOT will continueto participate and contribute additional staff time infunctional areas, including, highway management, highwayoperations and maintenance, highway design, trafficengineering, planning, and transit. Increased participationin the CV PFS will better prepare multiple areas acrossthe CTDOT for pilot testing and deployment of CVinfrastructure in Connecticut.Automated Vehicle Pooled Fund StudyThe Automated Vehicle Pooled Fund Study (AV PFS) is anAV research consortium, formed in 2020, comprised ofstate transportation agencies, led by Drive Ohio (a smartmobility organizational initiative within Ohio DOT). Thispooled fund provides a means for state transportationagencies to independently research and address issuesthat will affect the deployment of AV systems on publicroadways. Members of the AV PFS work with FHWA, theAmerican Association of State Highway TransportationOfficials (AASHTO), original equipment manufacturers(OEM) and various industry groups to prepare for andresearch vehicle-roadway interactions, analyze datafailures and mitigation methods, help to identify and definestandards, and encourage AV interoperability across stateborders.In 2020, the CTDOT joined the AV PFS to expand theCTDOT’s general workforce knowledge and understandingof AV technologies, to work collaboratively with otherstates to address AV challenges and to ultimately betterprepare multiple functional units across the CTDOT forpilot testing and deployment of AV systems in Connecticut.As both an IOO and a transit agency, the CTDOT providesa unique, multi-modal perspective to the AV PFS. TheCTDOT will contribute staff time to actively participate inthe AV PFS, especially in functional areas such as highwaymanagement, highway operations and maintenance,highway design, traffic engineering, planning, and transit.Increased participation in the AV PFS will better preparemultiple areas across the CTDOT for pilot testing anddeployment of AV systems in Connecticut.12CTDOT at Consumer Reports Test TrackUntil sufficient national CAV standards are set, or a clearerconsensus around the usage of CAV technologies form,the CTDOT will focus its CAV technology and researchinvestments towards conducting and supporting limitedCAV field-testing and small pilot projects in Connecticut.These activities will allow the CTDOT to gain hands-onexperience with new technologies and to work and learnfrom others to solve transportation challenges, as wellas evaluate CAV system benefits without making majortechnology commitments associated with these systems.Participating in CAV pilots and demonstration projects willalso position the CTDOT to provide insight and guidance tonational committees as the formation of related standardsare being discussed. The demonstration and researchefforts will be in systems and functions that are of directimportance and have immediate value to the CTDOT, thestate, and the regional and national transportation system.Connecticut Department of Transportation

Preparing for Connected and Automated VehiclesSUPPORTIVE ACTIONS:Test and Deploy CAV Transit Technologies onCTfastrakThe CTDOT owns and operates an ideal facility forpiloting and deploying CAV transit technologies – theCTfastrak BRT corridor. This facility is a nine-mile,bus-only, fixed guideway in central Connecticut thatconnects four municipalities, including the state’scapital city of Hartford, West Hartford, Newing

Automated Vehicle (AV): A vehicle that possesses hardware and software collectively capable of performing part of or all the real-time operational and tactical functions required to operate a vehicle in on-road traffic. This includes all driving automation levels as defined by SAE on page 7. Connected Vehicle (CV): A vehicle that uses