METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

U.S. DOT forming automation in transportation advisory committee

Seeking 15 individuals with cross-modal perspectives on issues like ITS, robotics, enhanced freight movement, air traffic control next generation technology, and advanced transportation technology deployment.

October 19, 2016
U.S. DOT forming automation in transportation advisory committee

 

2 min to read


U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced that he will establish an Advisory Committee on Automation in Transportation (ACAT), which will serve as a critical resource for the U.S. DOT in framing federal policy for the continued development and deployment of automated transportation.

“This committee will help determine how, when, and where automated technology will transform the way we move,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “The Department has advanced some of the life-saving benefits of automated technologies, including automated vehicle policy, but we are looking outside the government for innovative and thoughtful leaders to uncover its full potential across all modes.”

Ad Loading...

Related: Automated, Connected Tech Offers Promise for Transit

Members of the Committee will assess the U.S. DOT’s current research, policy, and regulatory support to advance the safe and effective use of autonomous vehicles. They will also engage in information gathering, develop technical advice, and present recommendations to the Secretary on automated and connected road and transit vehicle technologies, enhanced freight movement technologies, railroad automated technologies, aviation automated navigation systems technologies, unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced technology deployment in surface transportation environments. In particular, the ATAC will perform these activities as they may relate to emerging or “not-yet-conceived” innovations to ensure the U.S. DOT is prepared when disruptive technologies emerge.

The department is seeking 15 individuals with cross-modal perspectives on issues like intelligent transportation systems (ITS), robotics, enhanced freight movement, air traffic control next generation technology, and advanced transportation technology deployment.

Committee members will serve 2-year terms, with no more than two consecutive term re­appointments. The U.S. DOT says it strives to select individuals with in-depth knowledge of their respective industries or government sectors. Members are nominated through a full and open process published in the Federal Register.

To nominate yourself or other potential members, click here.

More Management

A wide angle view of two MTA buses with three people walking between them.
Managementby StaffMarch 16, 2026

Proposed Auto Insurance Reform Would Save New York’s MTA Millions Annually

The governor’s proposed auto insurance reforms could save the agency $48 million annually by limiting payouts in crashes where buses are not primarily at fault.

Read More →
paratransit bus
SponsoredMarch 16, 2026

Measuring the True Cost of Paratransit Fleets

What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.

Read More →
Cover photo for METROspectives with The Bus Coalition
Busby Alex RomanMarch 13, 2026

Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment

In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Amanda Wanke
Managementby StaffMarch 13, 2026

Des Moines DART CEO Joins Minneapolis Metro Transit

Amanda Wanke, who has worked at DART for 10 years, including the past 2½ years as CEO, will join Metro Transit as deputy chief operating officer, operations administration.

Read More →
A black, white, and red SEPTA graphic with text reading "New routes to new places."
Managementby StaffMarch 12, 2026

SEPTA to Launch New Bus Network Redesign in August

The first comprehensive overhaul of SEPTA’s bus network will expand frequent service, add routes, and phase in changes through 2027.

Read More →
A CDTA bus in Albany, New York
Managementby Staff and News ReportsMarch 12, 2026

CDTA Outlines Mobility Vision at 2026 State of the Authority Event

In his first State of CDTA address as CEO, Frank Annicaro highlighted the organization’s continued focus on delivering reliable service, investing in innovation, and strengthening connections across the region.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An up close image of WMATA priority seating sticker reminders.
Managementby StaffMarch 11, 2026

WMATA Introduces Priority Seating Reminder Pilot for Metro Riders

The agency is testing floor decals on select railcars to improve awareness of priority seating and support a more accessible transit experience.

Read More →
Cover photo for Transit Unplugged Episode 400
Managementby StaffMarch 6, 2026

Transit Unplugged Celebrates 400 Episodes

The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.

Read More →
A recent generation New Flyer Electric Bus
Managementby StaffMarch 4, 2026

NFI Group Officially Opens New Flyer All-Canadian Build Facility in Winnipeg

The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of public transportation system with APTA logo.
Managementby StaffMarch 4, 2026

APTA: Surface Transportation Funding Delivers 5:1 Economic Return, Supports 41,400 Jobs per $1B

The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.

Read More →