Texas envisions a future where automated vehicles are an integral part of the way people and goods move throughout the state. Since 2017, Texas has deployed six automated vehicle passenger service pilots and has plans currently underway for three more. While much uncertainty still remains, Texas is charting the best course of action by sharing lessons learned and developing best practices across a network of public, research, and private stakeholders.
Texas has a keen interest in the progress of autonomous vehicles (AVs). With the explosive rate of population growth across the state, AVs have the potential to provide significant safety, mobility, and economic benefits to Texas communities and businesses. To realize these opportunities, Texas has demonstrated its commitment to deploying and testing self-driving technology by passing Senate Bill 2205, which governs automated driving systems (ADS) technology; creating a Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Task Force to further study self-driving vehicles; and helping cities, transit agencies, and regions through the Texas Innovation Alliance be leaders in ADS deployments and transportation innovation. While the entirely driverless car of the future has yet to arrive, AV technology is rapidly becoming more sophisticated. This growth is attributable in part to the real-world experience gained through pilot projects carried out in partnership between public agencies and private AV developers, many of which have taken place in Texas.
