Developing Regional Integration for Vital Experiences by Strengthening Mobility, Access, and Regional Transit (DRIVE-SMART)
Electric- Principle Investigator: Abhay Lidbe
- Other Investigators: Steven Jones, Eric Courchesne,
- Project Partners: United Way of West Alabama (Community Partner), West Alabama Regional Commission (Regional Partner), Tuscaloosa Transit Authority (Public Transit), H.E.L.P. Inc. (DRT), West Alabama Public Transportation (DRT) CareaVan (NEMT), HopIn Technologies (Microtransit), Center for Advanced Public Safety (Technology Partners)
- Funding Source: CR2C2 Research and Education Exploratory (REE) Grant
- Project Duration: 1 year
Supported the City of Troy, in conjunction with Auburn University
ElectricSupported the City of Troy, in conjunction with Auburn University, on a $6 million USDOT Thriving Communities Program application.
Collaborated with the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition
ElectricCollaborated with the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition to jointly develop the Alabama Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan for approval by the FHWA.
Collaborated with local Tuscaloosa transit agencies to obtain $8 million from the FTA
SharedCollaborated with local Tuscaloosa transit agencies to obtain $8 million from the FTA to support the transition to electric buses and to support research on the efficacy of electrification for bus transportation.
Worked with law enforcement to develop, maintain, and support safety technologies
SafeWorked with law enforcement across AL and in other southeastern states (MS, AR, LA, GA) to develop, maintain, and support a variety of cutting edge safety technologies, including electronic citations, crash reporting, DUI reporting, crime reporting, search, and data analytics, enabling the daily operation of over 10,000 sworn officers, over 400 police agencies, over 400 local, circuit and district courts, as well as traffic safety engineers and related professionals on a statewide basis.
Supported a team led by Leidos on a successful bid
SafeSupported a team led by Leidos on a successful bid to provide on-call transportation safety research to the FHWA. Total value of UA contract is $1.5 million over five years.
Obtained $5 million from the Federal Highway Administration
ConnectedObtained $5 million from the Federal Highway Administration in the FY2022 ATCMTD competition to initiate a second congestion management project to be led by ATI in conjunction with ALDOT. This project, called PROACT, will be matched by $5M from the State of Alabama to create a $10M project to improve the management and operation of a segment of I-65 and associated nearby diversion routes in and around Cullman, Alabama. These technologies will include advanced road weather tools, technologies and signal management systems.
Competed in the 4-year EcoCAR Challenge
AutomatedCompeted in the 4-year EcoCAR Challenge, a US Department of Energy Competition. The Year 3 challenge involved advanced propulsion systems, connected and automated technology and improving energy, safety and consumer appeal. UA won 1st place in the Year 3 challenge. UA is one of 13 teams that qualified to compete in the upcoming year 4 challenge.
$15M BUILD Grant
Connected | SharedATI was instrumental in Obtaining a $15M BUILD Grant for Tuscaloosa and has continued to serve as a go-to organization for state and local agencies in Alabama who need assistance with transportation projects. In this area, we were successful in helping Tuscaloosa obtain a $15M BUILD grant to support a portion of the Riverwalk project, along with the Saban Center and some bridge improvements.
Tuscaloosa INFRA Grant
Safe | SharedATI coordinated efforts with various stakeholders including, but not limited to, the City of Tuscaloosa, ALDOT, and DCH Regional Medical Center to secure $6.87 million in federal funding for the construction of a new University Blvd. bridge over McFarland Blvd. The new bridge will lengthen and widen the overpass to create greater efficiency and safety, providing more access to education, healthcare, and business/employment opportunities.
Initiated construction on the $40 million Smart Communities and Innovation Building
ElectricInitiated construction on the $40 million Smart Communities and Innovation Building to house ALDOT, ATI, city and county traffic engineering professionals, and the Alabama Mobility and Power Center, a public-private partnership to support the effective transition toward sustainable transportation.
Collaborated with Alabama Power and Mercedes-Benz US International to obtain $4 million from the US Department of Energy
ElectricCollaborated with Alabama Power and Mercedes-Benz US International to obtain $4 million from the US Department of Energy for a research project to investigate applications for second-life batteries, such as those that have been partially used in electric vehicles.
Organized the DRIVE Coalition
ElectricOrganized the DRIVE coalition (Driving Regional Innovation through Vehicle Electrification) and was selected as a Finalist for the US Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge to bring innovative transformation to the impoverished Wider West Alabama region.
Worked with ALDOT to secure $300K from the FTA
SharedWorked with ALDOT to secure $300K from the FTA to improve post-COVID rural paratransit operations.
Worked with the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority to win a $780K grant from the Federal Transit Administration
SharedWorked with the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority to win a $780K grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to study public transportation operations under the Route Recovery and Restoration Program.
Teamed with Auburn University to lead a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) application
SafeTeamed with Auburn University to lead a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) application to the FHWA for $3 million in safety improvements in Troy, Alabama.
Technical Leadership Role on ATCMTD project
ConnectedSecured a technical leadership role on an additional $8.7 million ATCMTD project awarded in FY2022 to develop and deploy smart and connected technologies on the Atlantic City Expressway in New Jersey.
Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment
ConnectedContinued to lead a $16.8 million Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment (ATCMTD) project sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), called ACTION, in the Tuscaloosa County region to support developing a connected infrastructure capable of supporting automated vehicular traffic, resolving congestion challenges, improving safety, and supporting efficient freight delivery for just-in- time manufacturing.
Competed in the Indy Autonomous Challenge
AutomatedCompeted in the Indy Autonomous Challenge as part of the PoliMOVE team, an international collaboration between Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and The University of Alabama. In January, the first head-to-head autonomous racecar competition was held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. PoliMOVE took home the grand prize and made autonomous racing history. In the spring, PoliMOVE went to the Kennedy Space Center and set the record for the World’s Fastest Autonomous Racecar of 192.2 MPH /309.3 KPH over 1,000 meters.
ACTION Grant
ConnectedATI is leading a multi-faceted project, called the Advanced Connected Transportation Infrastructure & Operations Network, or ACTION. The project represents an $8 million award from the USDOT and an additional $8.3 million from various partners in Alabama, totaling $16.3 million. ACTION’s core theme is to leverage technological advances to enhance efficiency, capacity, and safety. Key components of ACTION include a network of sensors and cameras, communications technologies, and traffic signal systems, as well as mobility tools for passenger and freight traffic. The project will substantially mitigate congestion, improve travel time reliability, and enhance safety for motorists, pedestrians and in the region, all of which are critical for the region’s economic vitality and interstate commerce.