Strategic plan accepted to help San Mateo County navigate the arrival of autonomous vehicles

The San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) Board of Directors accepted California’s first county-level automated vehicle (AV) strategic plan at its November meeting. 

The joint TA and City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) Countywide Automated Vehicles Strategic Plan identifies the current federal, state, and local regulatory framework for AVs, defines types of AV strategies, summaries community priorities from public outreach, and highlights best practices for locally driven AV pilots and programs. 

“This plan includes recommendations on how the TA will prioritize funding to advance AV pilots, projects and activities in the County,” said TA Board of Directors Chair Carlos Romero. “Our strategic actions reflect a forward-thinking approach to prepare for this new technology, and will ensure we align with federal, state and county visions for AV deployment.” 

The plan’s five pillars — agency readiness, infrastructure, outreach and partnerships, policy, and AV pilots — provide a structured approach for agencies to prepare for the presence of AVs on roadways throughout the county. 

The $220,000 project, funded by a TA grant with support from C/CAG, responds to rapid advancements in transportation technology. 

UPDATE: The C/CAG Board of Directors voted to accept the AV Strategic Plan at its meeting on Nov. 14.