ACP30 Working Group Assignments

Introduction

Each of the six workgroups have been formed around a critical AV issue identified by the Committee in January 2020. The workgroups will provide input to the development of a triennial strategic plan (TSP) to help guide Committee activities during this time. These activities may include the development of research needs statements, calls for papers, workshops, webinars, and conference sessions.

Objectives

The workgroups are charged with:

1. Identifying a limited number of key research topics that will assist policymakers, regulators, road owner/operators, or other key transportation constituencies in making well-informed AV choices.

2. Gathering sufficient supporting material that establishes the importance of the proposed research topic(s).

3. Developing a 3-year proposal to the Committee to support this research topic(s). With a 3-year horizon, what can this TRB committee and its workgroups accomplish towards addressing this research need(s)?

The research topics should serve the overarching goal of achieving safe, seamless integration of AVs onto public roads to improve personal mobility and access and environmental sustainability.

Schedule

The workgroups have until the end of March to develop their proposals. Once complete, the Chair and a small group of volunteers will develop the TSP. The draft TSP will go out to members for comment at the end of April.

It’s recommended that the workgroup leaders establish dates for the series of meetings that will be required to complete the TSP proposal.

Guide

You may choose to use these questions as a guide to the development of your proposal. Proposals should be only as long as needed to make the case.

1. Describe the issue(s) that the research seeks to address. Be clear and be brief.

2. What do we know about the problem from current research? In the first draft it’s okay to summarize, but for the final proposal, it’s best to cite publications, if available.

3. Who are the transportation decision-makers who will use the results of the research? These decision-makers may be public or private sector, at any level of government, regulators, investors, or operators. What types of decisions will be informed by this work?

4. What are the best ways to move this research forward? Be strategic. Think about the activities that are within TRB’s scope, within the capabilities and interests of committee volunteers.