How Can America Build a Connected, Equitable, Multimodal, Green Mobility Ecosystem?
In the United States, building strong infrastructure influences the future of transportation equity and environmental responsibility. As President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law in 2021, a lot of initiatives have gained momentum to improve outdated transit systems, rebuild roads and bridges, invest in public transit, building electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, expand high-speed internet and upgrade the U.S. power infrastructure. To support government leaders in making informed decisions, public-private partnerships (PPPs) are instrumental for a sustainable transportation ecosystem to flourish.
Opportunities for Public-Private Partnerships in Advancing America’s Mobility Industry
The expansion of the power grid is the first step to ensure adequate electricity generation and distribution, which will help drive the electrification of the transportation sector. PPPs will need to invest in this infrastructure faster than ever due to demand and the alarming pace at which we are experiencing climate change and global warming.
Powering the future of transportation in both urban and rural areas will require strategic collaboration among multiple stakeholders, from policymakers to businesses. PPPs will need to invest in this infrastructure not only to meet increased demand but also to meet the environmental goals set forth by the mobility industry.
PPPs can lead the call for investments in smart corridors and connected transportation infrastructure to support connected vehicle technologies like smart vehicles, traffic signaling, and cellular-to-vehicle. Technology is already enabling more intuitive, consumer-friendly solutions to longstanding concerns. Software, Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors, and mobile applications are already providing intuitive, consumer-friendly solutions, assisting commuters in finding parking, paying for parking or tolls, and mapping out their journeys. Next-generation infrastructure will rely heavily on technology to help consumers make more sustainable choices and decrease their carbon footprint.
Balancing Innovation with Performance
Autonomous vehicles (AVs), a key to smarter cities in the future, must develop capabilities with safety standards to improve utility, comfort, and efficiency. AV technology must also be supported by innovative infrastructure to keep up with the evolution of mobility. Hitachi’s pioneering work on designing AV's communication with beacons is yet another area in which the PPPs ensure that systems are available and resilient.
Among Hitachi’s priorities in product development in this arena is a particular focus on improving vehicle performance for a higher level of autonomy. The company’s work encompasses such elements as multi-sensor fusion and automotive-grade, high-performance computer environments capable of data processing and decision-making. Hitachi is also a key player in designing how AVs communicate with beacons, another area in which government and industry must come together to ensure that systems are available and resilient.
The Way Forward
With the power of PPPs, America can play a pivotal role in developing sustainable transportation infrastructure and technologies to foster equitable transportation.
Hitachi’s demonstrated commitment to social innovation leverages advanced technologies to enhance quality of life around the world. A leading partner in many PPPs, Hitachi is working with its partners to forward technologies that advance transportation for everyone in America. Private and public sector partners such as Hitachi are powering good across the country — making life better and more equitable for all
Discover how Hitachi is unlocking value for society with Sustainable Innovation in Transportation:
https://social-innovation.hitachi/en-us/think-ahead/transportation/
