The Georgia Department of Transportation's (Georgia DOT) Safe Trips in a Connected Transportation Network (ST-CTN) project was selected as an awardee for a US Department of Transportation (USDOT) cooperative agreement to improve transportation and access for those with physical challenges.

"One of our goals at Georgia DOT is to put Georgians' safety first through use of innovation and technology, and the Safe Trips in a Connected Transportation Network project aims to do just that," said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E. "Through innovative tech solutions, we will soon be able to provide customized, accessible and safe transportation options that will enable people to have the flexibility and freedom to get where they need to go." 

The ST-CTN project is focused on improving transportation accessibility for people with disabilities, aging adults and those with limited English proficiency. It will provide Gwinnett County residents with detailed information and step-by-step navigation tailored for users’ specific needs through integrated transportation technology solutions including connected vehicles, transit signal priority, machine learning and predictive analytics.

Once the project is complete, users will be able to use a mobile app to create a trip plan that will include information such as navigation of physical infrastructure and alternative safe route options if unexpected obstacles are encountered. 

The ST-CTN project, supported by the Atlanta Regional Commission, was one of four projects nationwide to receive funding as part of Phases 2 and 3 of the cooperative agreement for Complete Trip – ITS4US Deployment Program, which seeks to help modernize the nation’s transportation system to provide safer, more affordable, and more equitable access to opportunities and services for all travelers while reducing adverse community impacts. In total $27 million was awarded for the four projects.