U.S. Department of Transportation announces $25 million funding opportunity for Rural Autonomous Vehicle (RAV) Programs.
The RAV program finances collaborative research and pilot deployment initiatives aimed at fostering a future rural transportation system that prioritizes safety, enhances American competitiveness, and promotes well-paying jobs. The Department is committed to empowering workers by expanding access to skills, training, and the option to join a union, ensuring their active participation in shaping innovation. This funding opportunity, specifically tailored for rural and Tribal applications of automated vehicle technologies, will enable the Department to advance mobility and safety solutions for the entire transportation sector.
“Automated vehicles have the potential to enhance roadway safety and increase mobility options for all Americans, including older Americans, low-income households, people with disabilities, and those who cannot or choose not to drive,” said Dr. Robert C. Hampshire, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology and Chief Scientist. “Disparities in mobility and economic development opportunities in rural and Tribal communities leave many in those underserved communities unable to get to where they need to go to meet the needs of their daily life regularly, reliably, and safely; or to get necessary goods delivered. This research will move the needle forward,” Hampshire said.
Nineteen percent of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, and almost a quarter of all Americans aged 65 and older reside in rural communities. Yet, 47% of all roadway fatalities and 34% of all public highway-rail grade crossing fatalities occur on rural roads. Emergency response times are more than twice as long in rural areas as compared to urban areas.
An informational webinar on the U.S. DOT Rural Autonomous Vehicle Program Funding Opportunity will be held in January 2024.
For more information, visit U.S. DOT's website:
https://lnkd.in/gYgbe6dR
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Commercial Director - Blackhorse Finance | Lex Autolease | Tusker
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