Transportation jobs of the future, especially driver jobs, may be dramatically different thanks to the impact that connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) will have on the transportation industry.
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is taking part in a workforce study designed to inform policymakers, employers and employees of the inevitable changes, and the potential new business opportunities that CAVs will provide. The study will focus on driving-related jobs, like professional truck drivers, taxi drivers and delivery drivers.
Michigan State University (MSU) will lead the study, which was commissioned by the American Center for Mobility — a newly formed Michigan-based collaborative designed to enable technology, and accelerate the development of voluntary standards to improve transportation systems and ensure U.S. competitiveness worldwide.
TTI is supporting the study based on its multi-year truck platooning research.
“Connected and automated technologies have the potential to create a safer and less stressful occupation for platooning truck drivers while creating opportunities to be involved with cutting-edge technologies that will change the way freight logistics will be delivered in the future,” says Christopher Poe, assistant director, Connected and Automated Transportation Strategy.
AARP® and Waymo are co-sponsors of the study, which will be completed by the summer.