The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken a significant step in advancing transportation innovation by establishing the Transforming Transportation Advisory Committee (TTAC). This committee, as outlined in a recent news release, is designed to play a pivotal role in offering strategic advice to DOT officials and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
Comprising 27 carefully selected members, the TTAC boasts a diverse range of perspectives across various sectors, geographies, and areas of expertise. The committee’s composition includes experts from academia, think tanks, the public sector, labor, and industry. These individuals bring their insights to bear on crucial topics such as automation, cybersecurity, safety, accessibility, law, government, entrepreneurship, privacy, and equity.
“We are living in a time filled with unprecedented opportunity and unprecedented challenges in transportation,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The deep expertise and diverse perspectives of this impressive group will provide advice to ensure the future of transportation is safe, efficient, sustainable, equitable, and transformative.”
Members of the TTAC will serve two-year terms, demonstrating a commitment to continuity and the development of long-term strategies. Additionally, there is the possibility of reappointment. It’s worth noting that membership in the TTAC is an unpaid position, underscoring the dedication of these individuals to advancing transportation innovation.
The inaugural meeting of the TTAC is scheduled for Jan. 18. Among the key focus areas are pathways to safe, secure, equitable, environmentally friendly, and accessible deployment of emerging technologies. The committee will also delve into integrated approaches to promote cross-modal integration, particularly in the application of automation.
Policies that encourage innovation, support a safe and productive U.S. workforce, and foster economic competitiveness and job quality are essential components of the committee’s agenda. Additionally, the TTAC will tackle the development of approaches and frameworks that facilitate the secure exchange and sharing of transformative transportation data. This includes technologies and infrastructure across public and private sectors, aligning with core policy decisions across DOT’s strategic goals.
The TTAC will also explore ways the Department can identify and elevate cybersecurity solutions. Privacy protection across transportation systems and infrastructure will be a critical consideration in their discussions.
Source: The Trucker
