August 1997

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CVO Technologies Take to the Road

Jeff Lindley, Denny Judyicki, and George Reagle join Jane Garvey at the Technology Truck ribbon cutting in June.

The concept of taking the technologies involved in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) for commercial vehicle operations (CVO) directly to the users was unique when it came to figuring out how to get the word out to the diverse community represented by CVO. Back in 1994, when the idea was first discussed, a handful of committed people from the Office of Motor Carriers' (OMC) ITS/CVO Division and the Office of Technology Applications (OTA) were the only ones to take the idea seriously.

Three years later, that dream has become a reality -- a reality built by a team of committed people who created a vehicle that will capture the attention of representatives from State enforcement and regulatory agencies, as well as the motor carrier community.

This team worked closely with 150 contributing partners on the concept, design, construction, and equipment installation for this project.

In June, Acting FHWA Administrator Jane Garvey officially cut the ribbon launching the DP-111 vehicle -- better known as the ITS/CVO "Technology Truck" -- on a 3- year tour of sites across North America. After seeing the Technology Truck firsthand, Garvey said, "This is a wonderful example of how the public and pri- vate sectors can work together with the CVO community on the valuable uses of ITS technologies."

The Technology Truck is an over-the-road tractor -- donated by the Ford Heavy Vehicle Division -- pulling a 15-m trailer with expandable sides. The truck, which houses portable ITS technology, classroom- type facilities, interactive kiosks, and a driver- simulation area, is designed to educate State regulatory agencies, key decisionmakers, legislators, and motor carrier communities by demonstrating the technologies and benefits of the ITS/CVO program. "What makes this demonstration project so different from other demonstration projects is that we have created an interactive environment where the visitor will get a real sense of how various ITS/CVO technologies are integrated and can be of benefit to the CVO community," said George Reagle, Associate Administrator for Motor Carriers.
-- Zeborah English, (202) 366-0398.

The new CVO Technology Truck, with classroom facilities and interactive kiosks, is on its first tour until November.