Pennsylvania Applies for Automated Vehicle Proving Ground Pilot Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has applied to the Automated Vehicle Proving Ground Pilot program, in an effort to make Pennsylvania a designated testing area for autonomous and driverless vehicle technologies. The program was initiated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Back in November when the program was launched, Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said, “through this program, the Department will designate facilities as qualified proving grounds for the safe testing, demonstration and deployment of automated vehicle technology.”
He added, “we believe that by designating facilities as part of a Community of Practice, we can foster a safe environment for these entities to share best practices related to testing and developing this technology.”
Some of the things highlighted by PennDOT in its application for the program were its Autonomous Vehicle Policy Task Force, closed tracks available for testing at Penn State University and the Pocono Raceway, and having technical and research partners in the state that include the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University.
Last year, Pittsburgh also become the first city to feature a self-driving fleet of Uber vehicles.
In a press release on PennDOT’s website, PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards says, “this application further illustrates that we're a national leader in supporting automated vehicle development with safety and flexibility in mind.”
“We’ve put in significant work on this issue with our task force, with our partners in the legislature, and through close collaboration with the industry.”
Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto adds, “we're thrilled to be a partner with PennDOT on this application, and continue our leadership as a laboratory for innovation that benefits all residents.”
