Past Events

This webinar, organized through the U.S. Department of Transportation, Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office covered recently concluded and ongoing projects related to safety and regulatory concerns for the expanding market of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs). The work presented was conducted within the past year at the RiSA2S Research Center of San José State University, a multi-disciplinary innovation center for the Risk and Safety Assessment of Autonomous Systems with funding support from the Mineta Transportation Institute. The activities of the lab are aimed at improving safety and better informing regulatory agencies in their recommendations for the certification process of autonomous systems. In particular, the seminar delved into three topics of current interest:

1. An analysis of current AV accident statistics based on the data provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles;
2. An examination of triggers and contributory factors of disengagements of the autonomous technology that controls the car; and
3. An overview of current issues related to driver’s reactions to disengagements when collaboration is expected (e.g., Level 2 and 3 AVs) and presentation of ongoing human-in-the-loop study.

With the rise of autonomous vehicles, there are both opportunities and challenges in how these technological advances can be harnessed to reshape future cities and improve the socio-economic health of cities. Opportunities exist to reduce collisions and improve access to healthcare for those who need it most — particularly high-cost, high-need individuals at the younger and older ends of the age spectrum. Opportunities also exist to connect individuals to jobs and change the way cities organize space and optimize trips. That said policy has lagged in this area. And despite some high-level policy suggestions from organizations such, technological change is outpacing urban planning and policy. The purpose of this symposium was to frame and develop policy around the topic of AVs particularly focused on:

• Land Use
• Social Implications of the Technology
• Economics

MTI was a proud platinum co-sponsor of this event.

VivaCalleSJ was a free recreational program co-sponsored by MTI that closed miles of scenic San José streets to motor vehicles. Participants walked, biked, skated, played, and explored the city as never before. The route spanned six miles of streets, through some of San Jose's most iconic neighborhoods including Japantown and Alum Rock Village, the Mexican Heritage Plaza, and parks including Lake Cunningham Park and Roosevelt Park.

MTI co-sponsored this opportunity to get to know transportation professionals in San Jose. The event brought together professionals from YPT San Francisco Bay Area, Mineta Transportation Institute, APA Northern CA - Young Planners Group, San Jose Department of Transportation, VTA, SPUR and more.