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

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. It can also make an informed choice about taking a potential national leadership role in the connected vehicle arena, and assess opportunities to join projects with other partners. To assist ODOT in this assessment, this paper describes the empirical results of a survey that was distributed to agency staff to gauge perception of connected and automated vehicle technology. Most respondents have heard of this technology and were in favor of its application. However, many had concerns about cyber security and system failure having catastrophic consequences. Likewise, many voiced concerns about ODOT’s preparedness for connected or automated vehicles. ODOT and other agencies can use these findings to help prepare for a better future of connected and automated vehicles.