The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA), in collaboration with Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota, is testing seven connected vehicle applications to improve driver and pedestrian safety.

The testing, conducted at the American Center of Mobility facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan from May 24 to 28, marks a milestone for the THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot (THEA CV Pilot), which has successfully completed its first three phases of planning, deployment, and real-time data collection in Tampa. The testing will include DENSO On-Board Units and Siemens Roadside Units.

Jointly funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and THEA, the $22 million project is currently in Phase 4 — testing OEM hardware applications developed as part of the pilot based on the original THEA CV Pilot applications. The seven CV applications that are currently being tested include:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

• Emergency Electronic Brake Light (EEBL)

• Intersection Movement Assist (IMA)

• Wrong Way Entry (WWE)

• Pedestrian Collision Warning (PCW)

• End or Ramp Deceleration Warning (ERDW)

• Red Light Violation Warning (RLVW)

During Phase 4, testing the viability of connected vehicle interoperability using OEM hardware into THEA’s program will establish not only the efficiency of CV-equipped Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota vehicles, but that the technology can be integrated into actual transportation systems to enhance the safety, mobility, and traffic reliability for drivers and pedestrians.

“The THEA CV Pilot has been successful in implementing CV technology for sending warnings in real-time and documenting the data for use by the industry for future deployments,” said Bob Frey, director of planning and THEA CV project manager. “We are working with the OEMs using technology to make it safer to drive. Our team’s goal is to one day eradicate crashes all together, which will require everyone to work together.”

THEA’s CV Pilot was one of the first of its kind to recruit actual drivers for real-time data on the CV experience. After recruitment of drivers begins for Phase 4, OEMs will utilize local dealerships to install the CV equipment.

Learn more about the THEA CV Pilot.