DOT announces locations for next-generation technology funding

The United States Department of Transportation has chosen New York City, Tampa (Florida) and Wyoming as the recipients of funds for next-generation technology for connected vehicles, a technology that has been specifically designed to make driving cleaner, safer and more efficient for various types of vehicles in the future generations.

The regions will be given up to $42 million in funds to pilot the technology in vehicles and in infrastructure. The technology will allow the vehicles and infrastructure to communicate and share information with one another in real time. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease congestion and minimize unimpaired vehicle crash rates by an estimated 80 percent.

“Today’s announcement is a big step forward for the future of how we move in this country, from our rural communities to our biggest cities,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. “It has been a core mission of the department to support promising new technologies, and through these types of smart investments we are opening the door to a safer and cleaner network and expanding how future generations travel.”

The funding is part of the national Connected Vehicle Pilot deployment program. The regions were chosen according to a competitive process that will help drivers, reduce stress and improve communication.