Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Support Services Program Stands Ready to Help Deployers with V2X Technology

As we continue to accelerate the deployment of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) to enhance roadway safety and mobility, deployers are faced with the challenge of implementing new infrastructure and software solutions. While the intelligent transportation systems (ITS) community is proficient in deploying mainstream ITS devices such as dynamic message signs (DMS) and closed circuit-television cameras, V2X equipment is new to some. To assist deployers, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) created the Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Support Services program, which consists of an equipment loan program and a technical support help desk for users. These services have played a pivotal role in assisting infrastructure owner-operators (IOOs), particularly state and local agencies, advance the deployment of V2X technologies.

Through the program, the USDOT provides technical support and temporary access to cutting-edge equipment that enables IOOs to explore and implement V2X technologies without immediate, substantial financial investments. The V2X Help Desk serves as a critical resource, offering expert guidance and solutions to technical challenges faced by deployers. Whether it's installing equipment, troubleshooting software issues, or providing advice on system integration, the help desk ensures agencies can navigate the complexities of V2X technology with confidence. Meanwhile, the Equipment Loan Program enables agencies to trial hardware and software solutions in real-world scenarios. Equipment available includes roadside units (RSUs), onboard units (OBUs), traffic signal controllers, and more. This hardware can be used to validate the effectiveness of V2X applications and help users understand its potential impact on roadway safety and mobility.

Source: USDOT

Numerous state and local agencies are already benefiting from these services. As agencies have been advancing V2X deployments, there has been an increase in V2X Help Desk users year-over-year with 218 unique support requests in 2022 and 387 requests in 2023. The V2X Help Desk has already responded to 95 support requests in the first quarter of 2024, showing the continued demand for support in V2X deployments.

Additionally, over the last two years, the USDOT has provided 81 organizations with equipment loans. For example, California DOT (Caltrans) and New York City DOT are currently utilizing the equipment loan program to investigate how V2X technology can improve safety within their states using V2X safety applications. Caltrans is using LTE-V2X onboard units along with tablets to verify the V2X messages transmitted by their RSUs and test the effectiveness of safety messages generated by the OBUs. The New York City DOT is using their borrowed hardware to become familiar with equipment from different vendors and test for any changes that might exist between the borrowed hardware and their currently installed equipment. And within the past month, the Illinois Tollway leveraged the V2X Help Desk to assist with configuring and troubleshooting their RSU installations, which are in place to test the reliability and accuracy of a GPS-based system to collect tolls using in-vehicle technology. The understanding they have gained from using this equipment is proving valuable as they provide input to upcoming Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) V2X standards for toll usage.

As ITS technology continues to evolve and V2X deployments continue to find success, the USDOT is working with industry and other stakeholders to continue adopting these technologies and strategies nationwide. Together, we can create a safer and more reliable transportation network for all road users.

Brian Cronin, Director, ITS JPO

For more information on the Equipment Loan Program and the V2X Help Desk, or to gain technical assistance, reach out to the CAV Support Services at cavsupportservices@dot.gov.

Posted 6/3/24