PTIO Joins 14 Associations in Urging US DOT to Expand Efforts to Advance Autonomous Vehicles

The Partnership for Transportation Innovation and Opportunity (PTIO), along with 14 other associations, sent a letter to Secretary Pete Buttigieg yesterday urging the Department to expand its efforts to achieve safe deployment of automated vehicles (AVs) in the United States.

PTIO supports innovation in the transportation sector and policies that facilitate AV deployment as the technology will save lives, create jobs, expand the US economy, and improve access to mobility for communities across the country.  As an organization committed to preparing workers for an AV future, PTIO knows a federal framework allowing the technology to flourish in the US is key to preserving America’s role as a leader in the globally competitive AV ecosystem, and cementing US leadership is important for our workforce and the economy in general.

“As you told Congress at your confirmation hearing, U.S. policy has not kept pace with technology development,” the coalition wrote, pointing to Buttigieg’s remarks when his nomination was before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “Other countries are racing ahead to capture this new industry, set its standards, and become the home of AV development and manufacturing.”

The letter also emphasizes that efforts to mitigate or remove regulatory barriers to the deployment of AVs in the U.S. should “continue and, to the extent possible, be accelerated.”

“Currently, there is much uncertainty as to how the Department intends to regulate AV technology in the near term as updates to existing motor vehicle safety standards are developed and finalized. As the AV industry moves from research and development to deployment, we urge the Department to use its authority to foster a pathway for near-term AV deployment.”

The letter was sent by the following associations: The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Chamber Technology Engagement Center, American Trucking Associations, Consumer Technology Association, Partnership for Transportation Innovation and Opportunity, Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets, American Chemistry Council Plastics Division, American Highway Users Alliance, Automotive Service Association, Intelligent Transportation Society of America, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, National Association of Manufacturers, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, Securing America’s Future Energy, and Telecommunications Industry Association.

 

About PTIO

Launched in June 2018, PTIO is led by its members at the American Trucking Associations, Daimler, FedEx, Ford, Lyft, Toyota Motor North America, UPS, Waymo, May Mobility, and Locomation — leading companies and associations that are working together with government, educators, and other stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges of AV deployment and identify policies and programs that ensure our entire workforce can benefit from the adoption of AV technology.  For more information, visit www.ouravfuture.org.