Jacksonville Event to Attract Nationwide Audience

TAMPA, Fla. - Nov. 25, 2015 - PRLog -- November 24, 2015

Tampa, FL – Hundreds of connected vehicle (CV) experts from across the nation will gather to learn more about the Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority’s (THEA) Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment at the 3^rd Annual Florida Automated Vehicles Summit in Jacksonville, Dec. 1 and 2.

On Dec. 1, THEA Executive Director Joe Waggoner will discuss his plans for the pilot, which earlier this year was one of just three such projects nationwide to win a contract from the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of its Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program. “The CV technology we are piloting can transform Tampa into a national leader in transportation innovation safety and efficiency. We are excited to share our plans and to learn from others in this fast growing industry,” said THEA Executive Director Joe Waggoner.

The pilot, which will be deployed in downtown Tampa, aims to make surface transportation safer, smarter and greener by outfitting cars, buses and roadside equipment with technology so that they can communicate about traffic conditions. The main goals of the program are improved safety for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists; improved traffic flow and transit trip times; and reduction of Tampa Bay’s carbon footprint. THEA and its partners will test and deploy a variety of CV technologies that have the potential to transform the experience of the motorists, pedestrians, and transit users who traverse the city every day.

THEA is a leader in implementing emerging transportation technologies, being the first expressway authority in Florida to convert to all-electronic tolling (AET); the first to open reversible express lanes; and the first to use image-based tolling. THEA owns and operates the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway Reversible Express Lanes, a unique and award-winning toll road. The Authority also manages and maintains several connector surface streets, providing an ideal deployment site for a connected vehicle pilot.

The Florida Automated Vehicles Summit highlights developments in autonomous and connected vehicle technology on the local and the national level. Last year’s attendees included planners and engineers in the public and private sectors, freight operators, transit operators, automobile manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, aftermarket equipment suppliers, academic professionals and students, and elected officials.  More information about the Florida Automated Vehicles Summit is available at www.automatedFL.com.

ABOUT JOE WAGGONER:

Joe Waggoner has served as the Executive Director of THEA since August 2007. During Joe’s tenure, the Authority has enhanced customer service and made significant progress in improving the maintenance, operations and financial position of the agency. His education and 35-plus years of experience in the development of a variety of transportation modes have given him a broad perspective on key issues in transportation.

Prior to joining THEA, Joe was the Chief of Planning and Development for the Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) for over six years. Joe also served 12 years as Assistant Director for the Maryland Department of Transportation and eight years as a planner in the Maryland State Highway Administration and the Maryland Aviation Administration. Joe holds an undergraduate degree from Towson University and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Maryland. He is also a graduate of the Maryland Department of Transportation Executive Development Program.

ABOUT THEA:

As the owner and operator of the Selmon Expressway, the Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority's (THEA) mission is to provide safe, reliable, and financially-sustainable transportation services to the Tampa Bay region while reinvesting customer-based revenues back into the community.

Our vision is to lead, partner, and implement safe, economically sound, and innovative multi-modal transportation solutions for our Tampa Bay Community.

For more information on the THEA CV Pilot Deployment, please visit: Tampa-Xway.com.

Follow THEA on Twitter: @THEASelmon (https://twitter.com/theaselmon)

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