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RITA 01-07
Contact: Paul Feenstra
Tel.: 202-366-1355
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
U.S. Department of Transportation Seeks Technology Solutions to Improve
Safety and Reduce Congestion on Nation's Roadways
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology
Administration (RITA) today issued a request for information (RFI) to private
industry, research organizations, and state and local governments seeking
information about commercially available technology applications designed to
fight congestion and improve the safety and performance of the nation’s
transportation system.
“The solution to today's traffic problems does not have to be just about
building new roads and infrastructure," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary
Peters. "By harnessing existing technology and adapting it for transportation
needs, we can dramatically improve safety and reduce congestion for the
traveling public.”
After receiving input and ideas, RITA will identify technology applications and
stakeholders interested in partnering with the Department on SafeTrip-21, a
multi-application field test of safety and congestion-reducing technologies that
will be launched at the 2008 Intelligent Transportation Systems World Congress
in New York City and integrated into other test locations. SafeTrip-21 builds
upon research into the use of information, navigation, and communications
technologies to prevent accidents and alleviate congestion by providing drivers
with real-time safety warnings, traffic and transit information, and advanced
navigational tools.
“SafeTrip-21 will further the research and deployment of technologies that can
warn drivers in real-time about dangerous and congested conditions, road hazards
and other vehicles with enough time to avoid an accident or alter their route,”
said RITA Administrator Paul Brubaker. “SafeTrip-21 is focused on making travel
safer and improving the reliability and efficiency of the transportation system
for the American public.”
A team from RITA’s Volpe National Transportation Systems Center has been
assembled to lead the SafeTrip-21 initiative, working closely with the
automotive, ITS and consumer products industries, as well as other public and
private sector partners. SafeTrip-21 is an important part of the Department’s
restructuring of the Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) program and is
intended to accelerate the testing and deployment of safety and
congestion-reducing technologies while continuing the foundational research
necessary to determine the viability of a nationwide deployment decision.
SafeTrip-21 will incorporate lessons learned in operational tests currently
underway in partnership with automakers, equipment suppliers, and state and
local governments in Michigan, California, Virginia, Arizona, Florida,
Minnesota, and New York.
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Briefing
Room