Project 1-3

Project 1-3: Benefit-Cost Analysis of Rural CAV Deployment

Exhibit D - Research Project Requirement: PDF Link

Principal Investigator: Jun Liu (University of Alabama) 

Other Investigators: Steven Jones (UA), Evangelos Kaisar (FAU), Reginald Souleyrette (UKY) 

Project Partners: Florida Atlantic University (FAU), University of Alabama (UA), University of Kentucky (UKY) 

Is any participating institution a Minority Institution? Yes — North Carolina A&T State University and Florida Atlantic University

Research Project Funding: Year 1: $262,729 (Federal: $160,976; Non-Federal: $101,753)  

Project Status: Active

Project Start and End Date: 08/01/2023 to 07/31/2025

Project Summary: The project aims to investigate the benefits and costs associated with connected and automated vehicle (CAV) deployment in rural areas. It involves conducting a comprehensive literature review to gather insights on the benefits and challenges of CAV deployment. Data collection and analysis will be performed to identify specific transportation challenges in rural communities. An inventory of CAV technologies suitable for rural areas will be compiled, examining their functionalities and potential benefits. The project will develop scenarios to explore different futures for CAV deployment, considering factors such as CAV penetration levels and technological advancements. Mapping CAV technology deployments to transportation challenges will be done to highlight potential solutions. A benefit-cost analysis will quantify the economic and social benefits of CAV deployment, including improved safety, mobility, accessibility and social justice, and reduced environmental impacts. The outcomes of the project will provide valuable insights into the benefits and costs of CAV deployment in rural areas, improving decision making and aiding in the selection of appropriate strategies and policies. The project is expected to help advance knowledge of CAV deployment in rural areas and provide guidance for future planning and implementation efforts.