Automated Vehicles Strategic Plan

Read the executive summary to get an overview of the content you can expect to find throughout the Strategic Plan.

The Introduction provides you with the necessary with the background of the Strategic Plan.

In the introduction, you will learn more about the events that lead to the creation of the AV Strategic Plan and how the plan will be used to prepare San Mateo County for equitable, safe and sustainable AV Deployment. By reading this document you'll learn:

• The intention of the plan and the process SMCTA and C/CAG followed to create it; and,
• The basics of the technology, the levels of automation, its potential applications and more.

Learn about the Strategic Plan's vision and guiding principles.

Reviewing this section will provide you with an understanding of the foundational elements driving the intent of the Strategic Plan. Information included in this section includes the following:

• Roles and Responsibilities: An overview of the federal, state, regional, local and private sector roles and responsibilities in overseeing AV regulation, deployment and operations.
• Vision Statement: The San Mateo County vision for AV deployment that promotes equitable level of access, safety, reliability, and sustainability in the county.
• Guiding Principles: Seven guiding principles to produce AV applications that provide benefits to residents and businesses in San Mateo County.

Read about the current status of AVs in the Bay Area.

This section will provide you with an understanding of current AV regulations, public sector pilots, and private company operations in the state and San Mateo County. This section outlines:

• Relevant San Mateo County plans and programs.
• Existing AV policies and programs on the regional, state, and federal levels.
• Current AV permit holders in California.

Learn about how stakeholders and the community influenced the plan.

In this chapter we detail the specific tactics we used to gather stakeholder input to inform our existing conditions analysis. We also provide a summary of the virtual community workshop held in late 2023. The section details top engagement takeaways including:

• Safety
• Strategic Partnerships
• First and last miles transit solutions
• Shuttle services

The AV Strategies chapter details the specific actions SMCTA and C/CAG plan to take.

This section provides you with the key strategic directions that the plan outlines to ensure the equitable, safe and sustainable deployment of AV transportation solutions in the county. There are five pillars or categories that guide our strategies.

Agency Readiness - These strategies seek to prepare SMCTA, C/CAG and local cities and towns to manage AV deployments.

Infrastructure Readiness - AVs may require upgrades to infrastructure to operate efficiently and effectively. This includes roads, bus stops, and bus maintenance facilities.

Public Outreach and Partnerships - Strategies in this section outline opportunities to educate various partners and the public about opportunities for AVs in the county that can benefit residents.

Policy - These strategies will help local agencies stay aligned with regional, state and federal policy guidelines. Policy strategies will also help guide the safe, cost-effective, equitable and environmentally sustainable deployment of AVs in the county through guidelines that prioritize the county's interests.

Pilots and Testing - Read about potential pilots that may be considered in San Mateo County including shared automated vehicles (shuttles) and data sharing between private companies and local agencies.

This section details available funding sources that can pay for AV transportation solutions.

SMCTA and C/CAG often seek funding from federal, state, and regional government agencies to fund various initiatives including research, technical studies, planning initiatives, infrastructure development, pilot programs, operations and more. Reading this section will give you an understanding of the current sources of funding available at the various levels of government. 

Learn about how the Strategic Plan sets San Mateo County up for a future with improved transportation options.

Learn more about how the plan came together.

The appendices include a record of various elements that contributed to the preparation fof the San Mateo Countywide AV Strategic Plan. Included in the Appendices you will find the following:

• Appendix A: Project Website - The project website, updated at each phase, provided a project overview, hosted project documents and provided information on upcoming engagement opportunities.
• Appendix B: Project Fact Sheet - The project fact sheet contained an overview of the project, it's timeline and key information.
• Appendix C: Stakeholder Outreach Summaries - During the Phase 1: Existing Conditions, the project team conducted a series of interviews with various private companies, local agencies, and state agencies.
• Appendix D: Public Workshop Presentation - The presentation deck from the November, 2023 community public meeting can be found in this appendix.
• Appendix E: TAC Meeting Agendas - Appendix Forthcoming.
• Appendix F: Board Meeting Agendas - Appendix Forthcoming.