Austin Strategic Mobility Plan

The Austin Strategic Mobility Plan includes a section on Emerging Mobility Solutions, which cover’s the City’s approach towards new mobility technologies. The plan includes the following emerging mobility implementation actions: 

  1. Encourage use of common technology platforms: Update criteria and Requests for Proposals to encourage the use of common technology platforms, rather than exclusive or proprietary platforms.
  2. Micromobility data sharing: Require that shared micromobility operators share data to assess their impact and integrate new services into the City’s transportation plans.
  3. Bike infrastructure as a place to allow scooters and other emerging micromobility: Use bicycle infrastructure, in particular the All Ages and Abilities Bicycle Priority Network, to provide a safe place for scooters and other shared micromobility devices that do not exceed maximum federal e-bike power and speed limits and may be regulated to lower thresholds through state and local regulation.
  4. Automated driving outreach: Coordinate outreach and education programs on automated driving vehicles with other public and private organizations.
  5. Emerging mobility jobs taskforce: Create a regional task force for new job training and educational opportunities for developing new technology skills sets and retraining those with legacy occupations.
  6. Connected vehicle data tracking: Set up a process to track and analyze data gathered from connected vehicles.
  7. Connected vehicle testing: Test Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) technology for vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) and 5G V2V and V2I for reciprocal safety messages and communications effectiveness.
  8. Automated driving research: Support local and regional research analyzing the potential for self-parking vehicles, driverless vehicles, and other future car models.
  9. Automated driving coordination: Work with leading cities and organizations to help craft automated driving vehicle policies and practices in accordance with Imagine Austin and other City plans.
  10. Staff training for emerging mobility solutions: Ensure adequate training for staff to operate, implement, and manage emerging mobility solutions as they become available and get incorporated into our transportation network. 

The plan also discusses applications of emerging mobility technologies to other policy areas, including accessibility and aviation.