In conjunction with the release of President Trump's Legislative Outline for Rebuilding Infrastructure in America, the Intelligent Transportation Society of America announced the formation of its Smart Infrastructure Task Force.

ITS America believes that re-investing in our infrastructure is not just about more pavement and concrete, but using new technology to move larger numbers of people and goods safely and securely through our existing roads, bridges, ports and terminals.

“We need an infrastructure strategy that rewards innovation”

To this end, ITS America has convened a “Smart Infrastructure Task Force” to address how technology and innovation can be incentivized. The task force — building upon extensive dialogue over the last several years with private sector innovators, as well as state, county and city leaders — will create a set of principles that embrace technological innovation.

“Technology requires special attention. Road Infrastructure is static and long-lived, but transportation technology must adapt and change, and investment and partnership strategies must reflect that. We need unique solutions to address this in any new infrastructure effort. I'm excited to see our smart infrastructure task force taking on this challenge.” said Shailen Bhatt, President and CEO of ITS America.

Tina Quigley, General Manager of Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), will lead the ITS America Smart Infrastructure Task Force. Mrs. Quigley is recognized as an innovator among her peers. Under her leadership, RTC has blazed trails in deployment of new technology such as driverless shuttles,vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, and innovative smart cities concepts such as the development of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) solutions which combines options from different transportation providers, including transit, ride sharing services and even bike share — all into a single mobile service.

“We need an infrastructure strategy that rewards innovation,” said Quigley. “Technology is the new asphalt. Automated and connected vehicles along with smart communities are just the beginning. I'm excited to lead ITS America's effort to rebuild and modernize our transportation infrastructure.”

ITS America looks forward to engaging with Congress and the Administration on the practical steps to rebuilding and upgrading our infrastructure.