Toward Assessing State Department of Transportation Readiness for Connected Vehicle/Cooperative Systems Deployment Scenarios: An Oregon Case Study

Abstract

As connected vehicle research moves into deployment, state, local and transit agencies, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and the private sector will start experiencing the effects of vehicles, after-market devices, mobile devices, and infrastructure with dedicated, short-range wireless communications (DSRC) and other wireless connectivity at their cores. Along with other states and regions, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) can benefit from preliminary scoping, evaluation, and assessment of the impact of connected vehicles and infrastructure and a wide range of potential cooperative system applications. With this in mind, ODOT is aiming to determine whether or not to pursue the next phases of federal connected vehicle application funding. To assist ODOT in this assessment, a survey was distributed within the agency to gauge perception of connected and automated vehicle technology. However, many had concerns with cyber security and system failure having catastrophic consequences. Likewise, many voiced concerns about ODOT’s preparedness for connected or automated vehicles. ODOT can use these findings to help prepare for a better future of connected and automated vehicles.