WALNUT CREEK, CA – AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah announced its partnership with GoMentum Station and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority on an exclusive agreement to study and test how autonomous vehicles can be safely implemented for public use. This marks another key step in the auto club’s larger plan to help its Members make the transition to new forms of transportation that can be safer, more convenient and improve lives.
“From the horseless carriage to the driverless car, AAA has always embraced advancements that can provide our Members increased safety and options in mobility,” said Tim Condon, CEO of AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah. “With our ability to study and test autonomous vehicles, AAA is at the forefront of cutting edge technology that has the enormous potential to save lives and help people enjoy life more.”
AAA believes autonomous vehicles can potentially be a highly effective method of transportation. They can also provide greater mobility to seniors and the disabled and redefine travel for the next generation.
According to AAA’s 2017 survey, three-quarters of U.S. drivers reported being skeptical of riding in a self-driving car, and only 10 percent reported that they’d actually feel safer sharing the roads with driverless vehicles. With a seat at the table, AAA can accelerate adoption of technologies that increase safety while bringing Members along for the journey and learn about exciting new developments in transportation through a trusted, independent source that has a long heritage in motor vehicle safety.
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) operates GoMentum Station, the nation’s largest secure proving grounds for connected and autonomous technology. “With our multi-faceted approach to redefining mobility, we believe that informing and educating the public about the advances in technology is just as important as the connected and automated technology itself”, stated CCTA Executive Director Randy Iwasaki. “We believe that AAA is the best partner to introduce the public to the possibilities that come with this new technology and be a resource as autonomous vehicles begin to change the way we travel.”
Designated as one of ten automated vehicles proving grounds by the United States Department of Transportation, GoMentum Station features more than 20 miles of paved roadway including city-like roadway grids, twin 1400’ tunnels, overcrossings, undercrossings, railroad tracks, a mini-city, and other urban infrastructure that provides a realistic environment for testing automated and connected technologies.
About AAA Northern California
AAA Northern California offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to more than 4 million members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 117 years ago.
About GoMentum Station
GoMentum Station in Concord, California is where the Contra Costa Transportation Authority leads and facilitates a collaborative partnership among multiple automobile manufacturers; original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers; communications suppliers; technology companies; researchers and academia; public agencies and other partners. At GoMentum Station, technology, innovation and commercialization converge to redefine the next generation of mobility. More information about GoMentum Station is available at gomentumstation.net.
About the Contra Costa Transportation Authority
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts. With a staff of twenty people managing a multi-billion dollar suite of projects and programs, CCTA is responsible for planning, funding and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go. CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable. More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.
