Skip to main content

Connected-Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) Program

Metropolitan areas, across the nation and around the world, are facing a technology revolution that could fundamentally change how people and goods move from place to place. This seismic shift in transportation and mobility will bring new opportunities and challenges.

Emerging technologies, like connected vehicles and automated vehicles (CV/AV), have the potential to dramatically alter the organization of cities, from small autonomous on-demand transit shuttles replacing underserved and underutilized traditional bus routes, to a wholesale change in vehicle ownership models and implications on the energy grid and parking infrastructure.

The potential benefits are equally dramatic. CV/AV technologies can potentially improve safety, efficiency, and congestion by broadcasting, receiving, and responding to real-time hazards and traffic conditions. However, there are also potential risks; safety could be an issue if a CV/AV system gets hacked, congestion could increase if zero occupancy AVs roam the roadways, and sprawl and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) could increase if commuters opt for longer commutes in search of lower housing costs – leveraging AV technology to utilize their commute time for something other than driving.

The Miami-Dade TPO is working alongside its transportation partners to plan for this new technology and develop a strategic plan to help shape short-, medium-, and long-term investment strategies for roadways, transit systems, freight facilities and all infrastructure related to CAV, that will move our community into the future.

Connected Vehicle:
  • Human driven
  • Communicates with other vehicles and infrastructure 
  • Informs the driver
Autonomous Vehicle:
  • 100% computer driven
  • Self aware of vehicles and surrounding infrastructure
  • Navigates Independently
Connected Autonomous Vehicle:
  • 100% computer driven
  • Self aware of vehicles and surrounding infrastructure
  • Navigate independently and communicates with other vehicles and infrastructure
  • Private Vehicles: connected, some automation
  • Public Shuttles: automated. low speed
  • Dynamic Message Signs: intelligent transportation systems
The freight industry is a significant contributor to Miami-Dade’s economy, with local trips to and from MIA and PortMiami operating almost 365 days per year. FDOT has initiated an Autonomous Freight Pilot Program in Miami-Dade County called “AV/CV/ITS Freight Applications” that is attempting to demonstrate that automated vehicle (AV) technologies can offer increased safety and efficiency for freight operations between MIA and the warehouse district in Doral. 
 
AV technologies will be tested on repetitious freight routes in hopes to increase travel time reliability for localized fleet vehicles. Efforts are currently underway to coordinate with public partners, engage private stakeholders, identify repetitive delivery routes, and understand existing system operations.
Connected and automated vehicles (CAV) are emerging technologies that can reshape the transportation system and urban landscape of Miami-Dade County. They will likely improve safety, increase network efficiency, and reduce congestion but also pose potential risks and challenges. The Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and Miami-Dade County are planning for and investing in building a more multimodal transportation system.

The TPO is addressing the incorporation of CAV technologies into its short-, mid-, and long-term planning processes by developing this CAV Strategic Plan. The study process involved partner agencies via a Study Advisory Group (SAG) and the public via a Vision Workshop. The SAG included staff from the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW), educational institutions, private sector industry members, and other local agencies.

This study uses connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) as an all-encompassing term for technologies related to vehicle communication and automation. Other related technologies, such as vehicle electrification, e-commerce, delivery vehicles, and telework, are also emerging or are in the preliminary stages of development and may significantly impact the transportation system. CAV safety and mobility applications overcome the physical limitations and distraction errors of humans behind the wheel and have the potential to dramatically reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by accidents on our roads and highways.

Read the Executive Summary

Read the Final Report