COLUMBUS — Governor John Kasich is creating a statewide center to advance Ohio’s efforts to become a national leader in autonomous vehicle research and smart road technology.
“Our goal is to make Ohio the premiere destination for researchers, developers and manufacturers to test, build and deploy advanced mobility solutions that will make our roads safer and less congested,” Kasich said in a statement released by his office announcing the signing.
Kasich’s order Thursday establishing DriveOhio comes a day after he pitched the idea at the Detroit Auto Show.
Automakers there are sharing the latest ideas for robotic cars. Executives say they see self-driving ride services in the future, but they can’t say exactly when.
An executive director appointed by Ohio’s state transportation director will head DriveOhio.
That person would establish liaisons with the state departments of transportation, public safety, administrative services and insurance, the state workforce transformation office, the adjutant general and the heads of the Ohio Turnpike and Public Utilities commissions.
The office also will confer with government- and expert-advisory boards.
The state last year announced the creation of new smart highway projects to complement transportation research corridors along the Ohio Turnpike and a 35-mile stretch of U.S. 33 in central Ohio.
Portions of I-670 in Columbus and I-90 in northeast Ohio are being outfitted with advanced technologies aimed at helping innovators refine systems for connected and autonomous vehicles.
Ohio’s transportation budget signed by the governor in 2017, together with commitments from the federal government and other partners, is investing $45 million for expanded research capabilities at the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty.
Columbus was awarded a multi-million-dollar federal grant to develop smart-transportation technology.