EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
We stay ahead of the curve by closely tracking emerging technology and exploring how it can improve mobility in our region. As transit continues to evolve, the CONNECT Beyond team is committed to understanding what’s next and how it could benefit our communities. Our report on evolving mobility trends highlights key innovations we’ve identified and are actively following along with past programs and projects we’ve implemented.
Autonomous vehicles operate with some automation, requiring little to no driver control
Connected vehicles have technology that allows communication between vehicles and infrastructure
Alternative fuel vehicles use one or more electric motors or alternative fuels
Ridehailing services provide pre-arranged, on-demand transportation where drivers and passengers connect via digital applications
Microtransit refers to technology-enabled services using pooled shuttles or vans to offer on-demand or fixed-schedule rides with dynamic or fixed routes, and includes options like bikeshares and e-scooters
Car share allows people to access a fleet of vehicles by joining an organization that manages and maintains them
Shared micromobility includes shared-use fleets of small vehicles intended for short trips
Transportation or mobility-as-a-service is a platform that combines various transportation options into a single platform, providing on-demand trip planning, real-time information and payment
Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition promotes, accelerates and expands the use of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in the transportation sector and reduces petroleum dependence.
Integrating electric vehicle (EV) charging stations into an existing space can be challenging for cities, slowing the adoption of electrified transportation. To address this, CONNECT Beyond partnered with UNC Charlotte’s Energy Production Infrastructure Center, Eaton and Duke Energy on a pilot project to add EV charging technology to existing street light poles at curbside locations. The project will assess implementation barriers and develop a process to design, test and evaluate a curbside charging solution.
The Carolina Alternative Fuel Infrastructure for Storm Resilience Plan addresses disaster preparedness, recovery and resilience by promoting alternative fuel vehicles in emergency response fleets. CONNECT Beyond staff documents the storm’s impact on infrastructure, tracks alternative fuel supplies, provides best practices for resilience and shares future recommendations.
The Regional Transportation Systems Management and Operations and Intelligent Transportation Systems Architecture and Strategic Deployment Plan is a partnership with local, regional, state and federal agencies. It explores technology strategies that enhance safety, reliability and capacity across existing and planned transportation corridors through combined investments and training.
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) can transform how people travel, how communities grow and how infrastructure is designed and built. To better understand their impact, CONNECT Beyond staff held a workshop series to raise awareness about CAV technology and its impact.
The CAV Regional Roadmap was developed to help communities prepare for these technologies. Building on that work, the Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Task Force, a regional group of public and private sector leaders, meets quarterly to share knowledge and align efforts.
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