Because it is impossible to predict exactly which technologies will be in use by 2050, our core investments must be flexible enough to enable a wide range of potential outcomes. For example, most innovative transportation technologies, from real-time traffic information to automated vehicles, will rely on a robust communications network. No region-wide inventory of transportation-related fiber-optic cable location and condition currently exists, which makes planning for expansion opportunities more difficult. Building out a regional communications infrastructure network should be a high priority for the region’s many transportation implementers. Also, pilot testing of automated and connected vehicle infrastructure might provide opportunities to promote adoption of these technologies. Due to increasingly stringent fuel economy standards, vehicles that use conventional gasoline will become more efficient, and more than a quarter of cars and light duty trucks could be powered by electricity and other alternative fuels by 2050.{{U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Annual Energy Outlook 2017,” http://cmap.is/2snwnMk.}} Passenger cars are most likely to be electrified, with a dramatic increase in plug-in and hybrid electric vehicle market share projected by 2050. Public transit agencies and local governments are investing in electric vehicles and replacing their fleet with more energy efficient and less polluting vehicles. Yet, improved charging infrastructure is needed to increase adoption rates of electric vehicles. Identifying these opportunities will require new tools and analytical techniques as well as effort from the public and private sectors to collaborate on transparently providing data and information. Implementers will also need to better understand the long-term financial implications of technology investments. For example, the many transportation agencies in the region who implement and maintain ITS equipment could benefit from a shared understanding and vision for the transition to connected vehicles. CMAP’s current role in convening the Advanced Technology Task Force positions the agency well to pursue analysis of connected vehicle opportunities in the Chicago region and coordinate development of a regional vision for AVs. Action 1 Continue to coordinate with partners in academia and public agencies to develop analytical tools and track the impact of emerging technologies. Implementers CMAP, IDOT, and civic organizations Action 2 Conduct an analysis of places where deployment of technologies could provide the greatest benefit to the region. Implementers Federal government, CMAP, public transit agencies, or IDOT Action 3 Fund or host pilot projects of technologies that attempt to address regional transportation issues. Implementers RTA, IDOT, CMAP, and other programming agencies Action 4 Continue to fund fleet replacement, such as electric buses and charging stations, through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. Implementers CMAP Action 5 Adopt electric vehicles and other innovative emission reduction technologies and plan for integration of solar and charging stations into new projects. Implementers Transportation agencies Action 6 Review development ordinances to identify ways to promote electric vehicle infrastructure in the transportation system. Implementers Local governments Action 7 Closely track and report back on other pilots, including successes, failures, lessons learned, and evaluation of results against our regional goals. Implementers Transportation agencies and CMAP