With the emergence of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), metropolitan areas nationally and globally are undergoing a technological revolution that could fundamentally change how people and goods move from place to place.
CAVs have the potential to dramatically alter the organization of cities. Small, autonomous, on-demand transit shuttles could replace underserved and underutilized traditional bus routes. There may be a wholesale change in vehicle ownership models, with implications on the energy grid and parking infrastructure.
The seismic shift in transportation and mobility will bring new opportunities and challenges. CAV technologies can potentially improve safety, efficiency, and congestion by broadcasting, receiving, and responding to real-time hazards and traffic conditions. However, safety could be under threat if a CAV system gets hacked and congestion could increase if zero occupancy AVs roam the roadways. Urban sprawl and vehicle miles traveled could increase if commuters choose longer commutes in favor of lower housing costs, leveraging AV technology to utilize their commute time for something other than driving.
The Miami-Dade TPO is working alongside its transportation partners to develop a strategic plan to shape short-, medium-, and long-term investment strategies for infrastructure affected by CAVs, moving our community into the future.
The Broward Roads for Families Initiative is about moving people, not cars, with designs geared toward all users. Roads for Families is a concept, not a physical location or a thing. It focuses on moving more people with different modes, reducing congestion and benefitting all users of all ages and abilities, including walkers, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders. It plays an important role in livable communities, where all people—regardless of age, ability or mode of transportation—feel safe and welcome on the roadways. Roads for Families makes it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, catch the bus, and get to work. The MPO's Roads for Families Advisory Committee (RFAC) serves as the steering committee for the Broward Roads for Families Program.
Vision Zero is a systemic engineering, policy, and engagement strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries. First implemented in Sweden in the 1990s, Vision Zero is being prioritized across Europe and many cities in the United States.
Palm Beach TPA first adopted targets of zero traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries in February 2018 and has annually renewed this commitment in subsequent years. Vision Zero promotes a culture of safety grounded in six key principles:
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Traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries are preventable and unacceptable.
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Human life takes priority over mobility.
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Human error is inevitable, so transportation systems should allow for it to happen without death or serious injury.
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A system-level approach to safety should be adopted to effect change.
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Safe human behaviors, education, and enforcement are essential contributors to a safe system.
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High speeds are a primary cause of traffic death and serious injury that should be managed with sensitivity to vulnerable road users.
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Beyond the Cost-Constrained List
Our regional MPOs are more than their cost-constrained project lists. Below are a few of the initiatives that Miami-Dade TPO, Broward MPO, and Palm Beach TPA have in the works. To find out more about what’s happening around the region and what’s planned for the coming two decades, visit their websites and browse their long-range transportation plans.
Goals: Connectivity, Sustainability, and Quality of Life
The 2050 RTP’s regional goals and objectives guide the Southeast Florida region toward stronger regional planning and sound transportation investments. These regional goals and objectives fulfill a state requirement and are part of the ongoing coordination efforts of the region’s three transportation organizations.