Conducting a Planning Process to Help North Texas Region Prepare for Automated Vehicles and Related Technologies
As a leader in the research and piloting of automated transportation technologies, North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) hired a team to understand mobility-related challenges in North Texas and identify ways automated transportation technologies can help address those challenges. Hummingbird was responsible for leading the public engagement process for this project.
Hummingbird developed a Public Engagement Plan (PEP) built on a three-phased approach: Gather insight from the public on their perspectives of the current transportation system and familiarity with existing transportation technologies; Educate the public on automated transportation technologies and allow them to brainstorm the thoughts on the technology; Have the public envision how the transportation technologies could be used to benefit the region. Hummingbird carried out these phases through various communication mechanisms. These mechanisms include developing and maintaining a project website and social media pages, preparing media packets, designing printed and digital materials, hosting interactive workshops, conducting focus group meetings and interviews, and deploying surveys.
The work resulted in a more informed and engaged public and a report that presents findings from the engagement process, and a presentation of best practices and policy recommendations.