International deployment of cooperative intelligent transportation systems : bilateral efforts of the European Commission and United States Department of Transportation.

The United States and European Union (EU) share many of the same transportation research issues, challenges, and goals. They also share a belief that cooperative vehicle (also termed connected vehicle) systems, based on vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, can deliver significant societal benefits for all road users in terms of safer, more energy-efficient, less congested, and environmentally friendly transportation. Thus, in January 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) and the European Commission Directorate General for Communication Networks, Content and Technology (CONNECT; formerly Information Society and Media) signed an Implementing Arrangement to develop coordinated research programs, specifically focusing on cooperative vehicle systems. Both recognized that coordinated research can preclude the development and adoption of redundant standards, provide significant cost savings, and support and accelerate the deployment and adoption of cooperative vehicle systems. An EU-U.S. Steering Group, Technical Task Force, and Working Groups, co-led and staffed by representatives of RITA, CONNECT, and appointed industry experts, are conducting the work for the EU and U.S. bilateral activities. Representatives from the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation and Tourism participate in these groups as official observers.