Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) said on Wednesday during a congressional hearing that the future of U.S. transportation systems depends on development and implementation of new technologies.
The House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology convened a hearing to evaluate the Department of Transportation’s (DoT) research, development and technology (RD&T) initiatives that foster safety and efficiency in highway and transportation systems.
“Technology allows us to enhance both the capacity and safety of our roadways, to better control traffic congestion and to extend the life of our transportation infrastructure,” Smith, the chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, said. “The investments we make today will transform the future of transportation.”
More than $1 billion in RD&T activities are administered by the DoT each year. Those projects cover rail, transit, motor carrier and highway modes of transportation.
“Advancements in materials and technology, such as connected vehicles, autonomous cars and positive train control can help achieve long-term cost savings by reducing congestion, increasing economic output, reducing environmental effects and improving the durability and lifespan of our transportation projects,” Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.), the chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology, said. “It is therefore critical that we find a way to maintain a healthy, substantive research base behind our state and local transportation initiatives.”
Witnesses testified that connected vehicle technology has been a main focus of research and development efforts. The integration of wireless technology into surface transportation could prevent tens of thousands of car crashes each year and make transportation more environmentally sustainable, the witnesses said.