Guest Blogger RITA Administrator Peter Appel: Connected Vehicle Technology Challenge seeksyour vision for transportation applications - Welcome to the FastLane: The Official Blog of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation

Yesterday, the Research and Innovative Technology Administration announced a new competition for great ideas called the Connected Vehicle Technology Challenge.

With this competition, we want to hear your ideas for a national transportation system based on vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure wireless connectivity. Making this a reality is closer than you might think.

Right now the Research and Innovative Technology Administration is helping to lay the groundwork for a national system where all cars, trucks, buses and trains are aware of other vehicles around them. Connected vehicles, as we call them, will significantly reduce crashes and generate enormous amounts of new data about travel--data that will make our transportation system safer, more efficient and even “greener”.

The possibilities are endless, and there is no way that the staff at the Department of Transportation can possibly identify all of the potential applications of this technology. That is why we are calling on you.

If you have an interesting idea about how wireless communications can help to improve your transportation experience, we really want to hear from you at connectedvehicle.challenge.gov.

Imagine having a device in your car that tells you where available parking spaces can be found or an app on your PDA that tells you that an available taxi cab is close by. Or a phone that can help a blind pedestrian cross an intersection safely or help you make your bus or train connection. These are just some of the enhancements that could be possible with wireless communications between cars, buses, traffic signals and other points.

The Obama Administration knows that challenges are a proven, cost-effective way for the federal government to find solutions to complex problems while boosting public participation. And through challenge.gov, thousands of Americans have already submitted their innovative ideas for solving pressing national problems.

You may remember DOT's Two Second Turn-Off Distracted Driving Video Challenge from last summer. Through that, we generated a number of really great public service announcements from young people across the America. Another DOT challenge currently under way is the Federal Aviation Administration's Design Competition for Universities.

In the Connected Vehicle Technology Challenge, there are no limits to the kinds of ideas that can be submitted--perhaps better ways to eliminate travel hassles, save money, cut down on pollution, help people get to work faster, or keep bicyclists and pedestrians safer. And remember, ideas are not limited to personal cars; wireless communications between buses, trucks, taxis, trains, and even inland ships are all possible.

Please take the time to check out the Connected Vehicle Technology Challenge. Details of this competition can be found on the Federal government’s competitive awards platform, Challenge.gov.

I urge you to help us envision the future of American transportation. Join us in the challenge!