Monitor emerging technologies
Project Stage
About the Project
The transportation sector is undergoing a transformative change. New technologies offer expanded mobility options, increased efficiency, and improved safety. It is also important to monitor emerging technologies to allow for a timely and coordinated response when they arrive on the market as viable transportation options. Technologies such as connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) have large potential upsides, but moving ahead without careful consideration also has risks—such as the possibility that CAVs may increase congestion by adding empty vehicles to the road network. Thus, it is important to support the local transportation research community, bringing the benefit of its cutting-edge research to the Region.
Benefits
- Understand the role technology will play in the system
- Build relationships with the local transportation research community
FROM THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Action 3.2.1: Monitor emerging transportation technology advancements and initiatives within Canada and abroad, focused on the application of connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs), mobility-as-a-service, and micromobility. Pilot and adopt proven technologies where applicable and advance cutting-edge research on changing transportation trends.
Emerging technologies offer real potential to address increases in travel demand sustainably, improve access, and reduce the cost of travel. This is demonstrated by several local shared mobility and micromobility services that have been operating for years or are launching soon. Some technologies, like on-demand transit and CAVs, require further evaluation through pilots. To best leverage emerging technologies, partnerships with Atlantic Canada’s vibrant community of transportation researchers are needed. This can improve the understanding of the transportation system, grow the local talent base, and build capacity to respond to future challenges.