Connected and automated transport (CAT) technologies can contribute to increasing the efficiency and safety of the transport system. The introduction of these new technologies and services can improve traffic flows, optimise the use of infrastructure, lower noise levels, shift greater volumes of passenger traffic towards public transport, increase the efficiency of goods transport and foster the emergence of multi-modal transport solutions.

Although a number of pilot demonstrations of CAT technologies are taking place in Europe, there is still a need to test the technological readiness, reliability and safety of automated transport functions in complex traffic situations at large scale.

Key issues to be addressed include the performance of automated transport technologies, a regulatory framework which supports the fast introduction of these technologies, acceptable levels of cybersecurity, as well as new business models.

The Strategic Transport Research and Innovation Agenda (STRIA) Roadmap for Cooperative, Connected and Automated Transport aims to develop a customer-centric, intermodal integrated transport system to ensure greater efficiency, safety and wellbeing and lower environmental impacts.