Smart transportation advice for communities

Luke A. Stedke explains how government leaders can develop impactful smart transportation initiatives.

How would you define smart transportation? What are some key benefits of embracing smart transportation initiatives?

The common denominator in all smart transportation initiatives is technology. Smart transportation is all about the ability for technology to help make transportation safer and more efficient. The overarching goal of smart transportation initiatives is to provide public value and to improve the quality of life for citizens in our communities.

What role do partnerships play in developing and deploying smart transportation initiatives?

Smart mobility is a team sport; you cannot do the work on your own. For example, DriveOhio is Ohio’s initiative for innovation within the Department of Transportation. We have a particular perspective, but local communities, research institutions, and private-sector businesses have their perspectives as well. The ability to leverage all of these different outlooks and skill sets is invaluable for any smart transportation project.

What kinds of data should cities collect as a part of smart city transportation programs, and what steps should cities take to analyze this data?

Data is a critical component of smart city initiatives. But before even looking at data, the first step should be to make sure your team has identified a particular challenge you want solved. Then, assess the data you have to see if there is any value in utilizing that data to solve the challenge you have identified. When you begin to analyze the data, one partner that can be helpful is universities. Research institutions like universities can be vital in processing data.

What steps can government leaders take to futureproof their smart transportation initiatives?

It is critical that you have individuals on your team who can think on their feet and are able to pivot as circumstances change on the ground. For example, DriveOhio partnered with SmartColumbus to develop a self-driving shuttle for citizen transportation. The second deployment of the shuttle, the Linden LEAP, coincided with the start of the pandemic. The team decided to repurpose the shuttle to fill a new need: Now, the Linden LEAP shuttles food boxes to a local community center. Governments must be able to start with one project and one goal, but then be willing to shift that goal to fill a different need if it arises.

What advice would you give to other communities that are looking to adopt smart transportation initiatives but don’t know where to begin?

Identify a problem and be ready to begin a conversation. Identify innovators that you think can help solve that problem and talk to them. It really starts with a conversation. Dialogue with partners is the way to come up with creative solutions. Leadership is also important when starting a new smart transportation initiative. You need someone or a team of people who have the leadership skills to identify an issue, explain why it is a problem and a priority, and articulate how to best solve it.