Trump’s Transportation secretary pick Elaine Chao confirmed in Senate
Chao will lead the effort on Trump’s $1 trillion infrastructure plan, help move the bill through Congress, and oversee implementation if it becomes law.
FCC Chairman Pai and 5 GHz Spectrum Sharing
Ajit Pai is a name we’re going to hear often in the years ahead, and he will have significant influence over the Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) space. Prior to being President Trump’s pick to head the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), he served as the senior Republican Commissioner on the FCC after being nominated by President Obama and confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate in 2012. As FCC Chairman, Pai will be in a position to set the FCC’s agenda and schedule, including over the pending proceeding on proposed spectrum sharing in the 5 GHz Band allocated in 1999 for DSRC.
Pai takes a strong pro-business approach with a focus on encouraging more innovation, more investment, better products and services, lower prices, more job creation, and faster economic growth. He believes the FCC should do everything it can to ensure that its rules reflect the realities of the current marketplace and basic principles of economics, especially given the rapid growth of the communications sector in recent years.
“Going forward, it will be important for OmniAir, its members, and the broader DSRC community, to engage pro-actively with new Chairman Pai to ensure that he fully understands the tremendous safety benefits of DSRC and the need to protect safety communications from harmful interference in any spectrum sharing structure under consideration by the FCC,” said Mark Johnson, regulatory and legal counsel to OmniAir.
During his time as an FCC Commissioner, Pai has supported the FCC opening up more of the 5 GHz band for unlicensed use. When the FCC allocated this spectrum for DSRC operations at the end of the last century, he noted that they could have never predicted that this spectrum would be tailor-made for the next generation of high-speed, wireless broadband. He has stated that making available more spectrum in the band will mean more robust and universal wireless coverage for consumers, more manageable networks for providers, more test beds for innovative application developers, and other benefits that have not yet been conceived.
Although Pai advocates sharing in the 5 GHz spectrum, he has acknowledged DSRC’s potential to enable wireless communications to promote safety for both vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure purposes, thus improving highway safety and saving lives.
“OmniAir will continue to reach out to the FCC and Chairman Pai as a recognized voice for the promotion of DSRC,” said Jason Conley, Executive Director of OmniAir Consortium. “Our goal is to protect the safety protocols laid out by visionaries nearly two decades ago, to ensure we have a dedicated or protected spectrum that enables effective and reliable communication of data and improved highway safety that saves lives.”
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Guidance
Earlier today the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released their Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) guidance that is geared to improve safety and mobility by accelerating the deployment of V2I communication systems. This new guidance is aligned with the (V2V) vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology that was proposed late last year in an effort to reduce crashes.
“The publication of this guidance is a vital step in deploying a connected vehicle platform,” said OmniAir Executive Director Jason Conley. “These guidlines are important as they touch key components of OmniAir’s membership from a system of hardware, software, firmware, and wireless communication providers that allows data sharing between vehicles and between vehicles and roadway infrastructure.”
FHWA Administrator Gregory Nadeau stated that in addition to improving safety, vehicle-to-infrastructure technology offers tremendous mobility and environmental benefits. He also mentioned that V2I technologies presented challenges such as privacy, security, and interoperability.
FHWA developed the V2I Guidance to assist transportation system owners/operators as they deploy V2I technology. The guidance can help transportation agencies to understand what a decision to deploy V2I technology could mean to their region, prepare for emerging V2I and V2V technologies, and leverage federal-aid funds to deploy them.
The guidance is available at: http://www.its.dot.gov/v2i.
Former VDOT Spokesman Ryan Hall Joins OmniAir as Director of Marketing and Communications
Washington DC, Jan. 3, 2017 – OmniAir Consortium Inc., www.omniAir.org, announces that Ryan Hall has joined OmniAir as the director of marketing and communications and a member of our executive team, reporting to executive director Jason Conley.
Ryan will oversee the strategic direction, expansion, and operation of OmniAir’s branding, customer engagement, and promotion of interoperable device certification both on- and off-line.
“I am thrilled that Ryan Hall is joining our team,” said Conley. “Ryan brings extensive transportation and media experience—having served as a spokesperson for both VDOT and Arizona DOT. He has also represented a variety of transportation-related clients at PR firms, including those in the tolling and ITS industries.”
“I look forward to further promoting OmniAir’s growing advocacy and device certification program for the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry,” said Hall. “I have always enjoyed the challenge of promoting ITS projects and initiatives and I am excited to work with industry leaders in the field, our association members, and board of directors to promote their innovations in traffic safety, mobility, and management.”
Ryan served as the spokesman for the Virginia Department of Transportation from 1999 to 2007, where he proactively promoted the use and benefits of ITS technology and major engineering projects. He was also the spokesman for the Arizona Department of Transportation from 2010-2011. Most recently, Ryan was the Director of Communications for the campaign of a congressional candidate from Southern California.
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OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification in ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private sector companies, research institutions, and independent test labs. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.
OmniAir Applauds USDOT Proprosed Rule on Connected Vehicles
Washington, DC, Dec. 14 2016 – OmniAir Consortium, the leading industry association promoting ITS interoperability, applauds the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Connected Vehicles. The proposed rule, issued yesterday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), would mandate that automakers include Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) wireless communications technology in all new light duty vehicles.
OmniAir Consortium Executive Director Jason Conley issued the following statement:
“There is no doubt that Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) applications for Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure wireless communications promise unprecedented life-saving benefits to all Americans. OmniAir Consortium and our members look forward to working with the U.S. Department of Transportation and industry stakeholders to ensure that these technologies are interoperable among devices and manufacturers.”
OmniAir Consortium and its members are working to develop testing and certification programs for DSRC-based Connected Vehicle devices and applications.
OmniAir’s Connected Vehicle Working Group, chaired by Kendra Pridemore of UL, is developing rules, policies, and procedures necessary for OmniAir’s Connected Vehicle Certification and Lab Accreditation programs.
OmniAir’s Connected Vehicle Technical Working Group, chaired by Dmitri Khijniak of is tasked with developing all technical requirements and specifications necessary for OmniAir to launch its Connected Vehicle Certification programs. The group is focused on topics such as test tool validation, lab audits, and device security.
OmniAir Consortium plans to launch its Connected Vehicle Certification and Lab Accreditation Program in 2017.
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OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification in ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private sector companies, research institutions, and independent test labs. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.
New OmniAir Working Groups on Vehicle Connectivity and Emerging Technologies
Washington, DC Dec. 6, 2017 – OmniAir Consortium, the leading industry association promoting ITS interoperability, announces the formation of three new working groups to advance the interoperability of Connected Vehicles and emerging transportation payment applications.
OmniAir’s Connected Vehicle Working Group, chaired by Kendra Pridemore of UL, is developing rules, policies, and procedures necessary for the launch of OmniAir’s Connected Vehicle Certification and Lab Accreditation programs in 2017.
The Connected Vehicle Technical Working Group, chaired by Dmitri Khijniak of is tasked with developing all technical requirements and specifications necessary for OmniAir to launch its Connected Vehicle Certification program in 2017. The group is focused on topics such as test tool validation, lab audits, and device security.
OmniAir’s Emerging Technologies Working Group, co-chaired by Tim Baker of MTA Bridges & Tunnels, and Jason JonMichael of HNTB, Inc. will focus on exploring emerging transportation payment technologies, and the need for testing and certification programs, including:
- mileage-based user fee devices and applications
- shared mobility payment solutions that span all modes of transportation
- apps for toll payments and vehicle occupancy verification
In the spring of 2017, OmniAir plans to host a workshop on emerging transportation technologies in Washington, DC.
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OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification in ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private sector companies, research institutions, and independent test labs. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.
OmniAir Congratulates Elaine Chao on Nomination as Transportation Secretary
Washington, DC, Nov. 30, 2016 – OmniAir Consortium Executive Director Jason Conley issued the following statement on the nomination of Elaine Chao as Transportation Secretary:
“OmniAir congratulates Elaine Chao on her nomination by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation. She brings outstanding credentials, having served as Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush, and as Deputy Secretary of Transportation under President George H.W. Bush.”
“We understand that transportation infrastructure investment will be a top priority for the incoming Trump Administration. Ensuring America’s competitiveness will require smart investments—connecting vehicles, highways, and transit systems in ways that make our nation’s transportation networks safer and more efficient.”
“OmniAir Consortium and its members look forward to working with Secretary-designate Chao to advance intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and life-saving Connected Vehicle technologies.”
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OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification in ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private sector companies, research institutions, and independent test labs. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.
Election Results and the ITS Industry Pubished by Jason Conley, OmniAir & OCS Executive Director
Last night’s election results were historic. The American people have elected a new President, a new Congress, and new leaders at all levels of government.
While results are still coming in, it is clear that Republicans will maintain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and will extend their control of governorships.
I would like to share a few thoughts on what the election results might mean for the intelligent transportation systems (ITS) community generally, and for the OmniAir Consortium specifically.
In recent years, the U.S. Department of Transportation has undertaken significant efforts to advance ITS, from the Smart Cities Initiative, to the Connected Vehicle Pilots. It is reasonable to ask what a new Administration might mean for ITS. For several reasons, I think we will continue to see major advancements in ITS under a Trump Administration.
First, this is an exciting time for transportation technology. Connected and Automated Vehicles, shared mobility applications, and other innovations are disrupting business models of major industries, while improving mobility and efficiency. There is little doubt that automotive OEMs, device manufacturers, and telecommunications carriers will continue to invest in vehicle connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for infrastructure.
Second, the President-elect campaigned on plan invest over $1 trillion in modernizing America’s transportation infrastructure–something he reiterated in his victory speech. He is also calling for regulatory streamlining to ensure faster project delivery, and innovative financing mechanisms, to reduce reliance on traditional excise and fuel taxes. This will be welcome news for many transportation stakeholders–both public and private sector.
However, asphalt and concrete alone will be insufficient to build the modern transportation system we need to ensure America’s competitiveness. This will require smart investments–instrumenting vehicles, highways, and transit systems in ways that make our nation’s transportation networks safer and more efficient. Vehicle connectivity and intelligent infrastructure will help to ease traffic congestion, to reduce fatalities on our roads, and to ensure optimal utilization of any new infrastructure capacity.
Additionally, it is unlikely that Congress will rely solely on traditional revenue sources, such as gasoline and excise taxes, to finance our infrastructure. Private investment, public-private partnerships, and tolling authorities will play important roles in any infrastructure expansion. Longer-term, policymakers will look to mileage-based user fees and multi-modal payment applications.
In this new paradigm, the work of OmniAir Consortium will be more important than ever. OmniAir will continue to advocate for performance and interoperability of ITS and tolling technologies.
OmniAir’s leading role in device testing for National Toll Interoperability, and in the USDOT’s Next Generation Connected Vehicle Certification program will continue. OmniAir currently has two member-led working groups laying the groundwork for the rollout of OmniAir’s Connected Vehicle Certification and Accreditation program in 2017.
Finally, in the next few weeks, we will be establishing an Emerging Technologies Working Group to focus on mileage-based user fees and other innovative payment applications.
This is an exciting time for OmniAir and our members. We look forward to working with the new Administration to address our nation’s transportation challenges. I hope you will join us in this effort.
Now, America, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.
Jason M. Conley, Executive Director, OmniAir Consortium
ITS World Congress Presentations on Testing and Certifications
Connected Vehicle certification was a topic of conversation this week at the 2016 ITS World Congress in Melbourne, Australia.
In Session TP66: Testing and Certification of V2X, OmniAir members Michael Brown of the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and Dmitri Khijniak of 7layers, Inc. presented on certification programs.
Michael Brown’s presentation on Next Generation CV Certification Certification Services (OCS) and the role OCS is playing in advancing certification for Connected Vehicles.
Dmitri Khijniak’s presentation on certification for DSRC reviewed the USDOT Certification Testing Program for Connected Vehicles.
OCS, Danlaw, and 7layers, Inc. are working together to support certification testing for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program.
All three organizations will participate in the USDOT’s Connected Vehicle Plugfest November 15-18 in Novi, Michigan.