The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an online tool to test the transparency of automated vehicle (AV) driving systems. The new tracking tool provides data on the on-road testing of automated driving systems in 17 cities across the U.S.

The tool, which is part of the Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing (AV TEST) Initiative, was initially announced in June by Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is overseeing the AV TEST Initiative.

“This tool gives the public online access to data about the on-road testing of automated driving systems so the public can understand more about this new technology,” said Chao.

This platform showcases data submitted voluntarily by governments and private-sector participants and unlocks information for state and local governments overseeing AV testing, Chao explained during a Sept. 2 media call.

“It encourages developers to exercise better, safer practices and it provides clarity on AV testing for communities all across the country,” Chao said. “AVs have the potential to save thousands of lives. Technologies are not yet advanced enough to enable the widescale deployment of fully autonomous vehicles, but some day, they may be. The department is addressing legitimate concerns regarding safety and security without hampering progress and removing unnecessary and burdensome red tape.”

The platform allows participants to share testing activities related to automated driving systems and other safety-related information with the public. Online mapping tools may show testing locations at the local, state, and national levels, as well as testing activity data, which may include dates, frequency, vehicle counts, and routes. Currently, the tool has data on on-road testing activities in 17 cities across the country: Austin, Columbus (Ohio), Dallas, Denver, Jacksonville, Orlando, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.

Ten companies and nine states have signed on as participants in the voluntary web pilot. Participating companies include Beep, Fiat Chrysler, General Motors, Waymo, Uber Advanced Technologies Group, and Toyota.

During a live demonstration of the tool, NHTSA Chief Safety Scientist Joseph Kolly explained this is a “first-of-its-kind collection of data and information contained in one place” regarding the development and testing of AVs. He also pointed out that the agency is still in the pilot phase of developing the platform, so there are a limited number of organizations currently contributing data and information.

Most of the testing is currently happening on public streets and involves shuttle buses. When the tool went live on Sept. 2, there was one AV test listing for the heavy-truck segment from Waymo Via. Waymo’s self-driving trucks have been fixtures on freeways across California and Arizona.

Waymo Via, the delivery side of Alphabet’s self-driving vehicle business, also just announced that it has begun Class 8 truck testing out of the Dallas-Fort Wort area.

“The more information the public has about the on-road testing of automated driving systems, the more they will understand the development of this promising technology. Automated driving systems are not yet available for sale to the public, and the AV TEST Initiative will help improve public understanding of the technology’s potential and limitations as it continues to develop,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens. 

The AV TEST Initiative’s online tracking tool will soon be open to all stakeholders involved in the development and testing of automated driving system vehicles. At the state and local level, participants may include departments of motor vehicles, departments of transportation, highway safety offices, and city governments. At the automotive industry level, participants may include developers, manufacturers, suppliers, operators, and testers.