The U.S. Department of Transportation will be awarding $25 million in Rural Autonomous Vehicle research program funding to accredited universities.
The six-year cooperative agreement program funds research and pilot deployment activities that support rural and tribal applications of automated vehicle technologies.
Funding is used for research investigating the benefits and responsible application of automated vehicles and associated mobility technologies.
The department will award a $10 million grant focused on automated freight and delivery vehicles, and a $15 million grant focused on passenger transportation.
“Automated vehicles have the potential to enhance roadway safety and increase mobility options for all Americans, including older Americans, low-income households, people with disabilities, and those who cannot or choose not to drive,” Dr. Robert C. Hampshire, deputy assistant secretary for research and technology and chief scientist, said. “Disparities in mobility and economic development opportunities in rural and Tribal communities leave many in those underserved communities unable to get to where they need to go to meet the needs of their daily life regularly, reliably, and safely; or to get necessary goods delivered.”
Rural areas are home to 19 percent of the U.S. population, yet are the location of 34 percent of public highway-rail grade crossing fatalities and 47 percent of all roadway fatalities.