Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Task Force
Thank you for choosing to operate in the state of Texas. Texas is home to a robust automated vehicle ecosystem that continues to expand. In 2017, the Texas Legislature authorized the operation of automated vehicles (AVs) in Texas. With a business-friendly economic engine, understandable regulatory framework, robust research facilities, and more than 314,600 miles of public roads, Texas provides an ideal setting for AV technologies to thrive and succeed.
AV deployments in Texas
Interested in learning about the current landscape of AVs? Click on the map to view ongoing AV deployments in Texas. Map is updated on a regular basis as new companies come into the state.
Why Texas?
The state of Texas continues to invest in its infrastructure, including a 10-year, $104B commitment to new state roadway projects.
Air
There are more than 380 airports throughout Texas, including six heliports, 26 commercial airports and two intermodal facilities. Texas is home to six of the busiest airports in the country, the corporate headquarters for two international airlines and a major hub for a third.
Land
Texas has more than 314,600 miles of public roads and 10,500 miles of freight rail, more than any other state. Texas is also home to the #1 inland port along the U.S.-Mexico border—the Port of Laredo.
Sea
With 19 seaports, including 11 deepwater ports, Texas is built for global trade. The largest Gulf Coast container port, the Port of Houston, has led the nation in waterborne foreign trade, allowing the Lone Star State to continue leading the nation in shipment value.
Resources
Texas offers an array of opportunities for companies entering the state, and we are here to assist you through the process. Below are a few key resources that may assist you in navigating the state's diverse landscape and make informed decisions for your business success.
Texas Department of Public Safety,
Captain Bart Teeter, Texas Highway Patrol
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles,
Jimmy Archer, Director, Motor Carrier Division
Texas Department of Insurance,
Mark Worman, Deputy Commissioner
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation,
Jeff Copas, Senior Government Relations Officer
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs)
Texas Council of Governments (COGs)
TxDOT Strategic Initiatives and Innovation Division, Point of Contact: Zeke Reyna
Helpful tips
As you get started, here are a few helpful tips that may be beneficial to your operations. None of these are mandated but could be critical information to have in certain situations.
- Transparency is key to success for public-facing businesses. It is important that you have a plan on how to interact with public officials and the general public in preparation for launch.
- Be prepared on how to educate the public on your emerging technology and how they can use your vehicle.
- What is the best way for the public and state/local officials to connect?
- Plan how to engage with the community, considering all age groups and accessibility requirements.
- Texas is home to vibrant cities and an ever-growing population. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas is one of two states to have populations of over 30 million people! Inevitably, autonomous vehicles may be involved in an incident on Texas roads.
- Have a list of stakeholders to contact in the event of an incident with an autonomous vehicle. It is important to consider who at the state and local level to immediately contact should an incident occur.
Transportation emerging technologies are becoming more prevalent across Texas. These vehicles are seen on the roads, sidewalks, and even in the air. How should these vehicles communicate with first responders? Consider how first responders can interact with each vehicle. In a state with nearly 2,800 law enforcement agencies, having easy, understandable options for first responders to communicate with your vehicles is vital when seconds count.
To prepare Texas for future technology advancements, Governor Greg Abbott directed TxDOT in 2019 to establish a CAV Task Force. This statewide task force is composed of members from TxDOT, local governments and transportation officials throughout Texas, community members and industry. The task force provides Texas with a single, unified source of information regarding the coordination and advancement of CAV and CAV technologies across the state. Interested in attending a CAV Task Force meeting? Click here for meeting dates. Consider becoming a part of the CAV Task Force, contact Zeke Reyna for information.
We invite you to participate in the CAV Task Force and contribute to the discussion. Please reach
out to Zeke Reyna to be added to our contact list.