The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) reached a major milestone this summer in its work to advance vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies that can improve safety and mobility on Texas roadways.

On July 14, TTI showcased the operational readiness of the Texas TRUST project during a demonstration with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Texas TRUST, which stands for Transforming Roads, Unleashing Smart Technologies, is focused on advancing V2X technologies that allow vehicles, infrastructure and roadway users to exchange safety and mobility information in real time.

TTI is one of only three grant recipients nationwide selected by FHWA through the Saving Lives with Connectivity program and the only research institution to receive an award. The program is designed to demonstrate how advanced communications technologies can be deployed at scale and provide a national blueprint for future connected transportation systems.

Supported by a $20 million award over two phases, Texas TRUST brings together researchers, engineers, software developers, public agencies, industry partners and transportation professionals. Over the past 22 months, the project has advanced from early concepts to 86 deployments across 5,000 square miles, demonstrating 15 distinct use cases.

The July demonstration marked the culmination of the project’s first phase, which focused on design, deployment and operational readiness. The second phase will focus on data collection to better understand the benefits of these technologies, along with additional enhancements to support continued innovation.

Because TTI does not own or operate roadways, the project relies on close collaboration with roadway operators and public- and private-sector partners, including the Texas Department of Transportation, the City of College Station, the City of Houston, Missouri City, Fort Bend County, Texas A&M University Transportation Services, Texas A&M Emergency Medical Services, General Motors and Audi.

By bringing together researchers, agencies and industry partners, Texas TRUST is helping establish the foundation for a smarter, safer and more connected transportation system.