Surveying Florida MPO readiness to incorporate innovative technologies into long range transportation plans : draft final report.

FDOT Contract BDV32-977-06There is optimism that Automated Vehicles (AVs) can improve the safety of the transportation system,reduce congestion, increase reliability, offer improved mobility solutions to all segments of the populationincluding the transportation-disadvantaged such as the elderly and disabled, and improve the quality oflife of all people. The recently enacted HB 7061 stipulates that the Long Range Transportation Plans(LRTPs) in Florida consider the infrastructure changes needed to accommodate advanced vehicletechnologies such as autonomous vehicles. This study reviewed current LRTPs of Florida MPOs withregards to AVs (About one-third of all MPOs include AV-related language in their current plans) andconducted a survey of MPOs to assess their opinions and needs. Overall, 23 of the 27 MetropolitanPlanning Organizations (MPOs) had provided responses. The survey responses indicate that whileMPOs are not skeptical of AV, there is much uncertainty in the anticipated impacts of this technologyon attaining their planning goals. Further, the surveys clearly point to the MPOs need for information.This study undertook a synthesis of literature to address these issues, and this is included in the finalreport. Finally, a set of recommendations are developed for FDOT to assist MPOs incorporate AVs intotheir LRTPs. These recommendations are in line with the state\u2019s vision to be a leader in the field of thenew transformative technologies and are synergistic with the several initiatives the state is alreadyundertaking