Author: Ryan Hall
(Washington, DC) – OmniAir Consortium Executive Director Jason Conley issued the following statement on the confirmation of Pete Buttigieg to serve as the 19th United States Secretary of Transportation:
“On behalf of OmniAir Consortium, and our members, I would like to congratulate Pete Buttigieg on his historic confirmation as Secretary of Transportation. Having served as a mayor, Secretary Buttigieg understands the importance of smart transportation policies and investments in connecting our communities and improving the quality of life for all.”
“We look forward to working with Secretary Buttigieg to advance important transportation priorities, including the development and deployment of innovative technologies to save lives and improves the efficiency and sustainability of our nation’s transportation networks.”
About OmniAir Consortium
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.
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February 2, 2021 2:29PM
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Joins OmniAir
OmniAir Consortium®, the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles, announces that the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (Mobility Authority) has joined as an Associate Level Member.
The Mobility Authority is a driving force behind preserving and enhancing the quality of life in rapidly growing Central Texas. A recognized innovator within the tolling industry, the Mobility Authority was among the first agencies in the country to eliminate toll booths and transition to all-electronic cashless tolling technology. More recently, the Mobility Authority has been testing connected vehicle technology to enhance traffic management and offer advanced toll collection options to customers.
Last year, the Mobility Authority partnered with OmniAir® members Ford Motor Company and Kapsch TrafficCom to test Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) connected vehicle technology on their roadways.
“OmniAir is excited to work with the Mobility Authority on Next Generation Connected Vehicle and Tolling Systems,” said Jason Conley, Executive Director for OmniAir Consortium. “We are delighted that the Mobility Authority has demonstrated a commitment to test and support certification of these technologies.”
“One key mission of the Mobility Authority is to explore and invest in transformative technology,” said Jeff Dailey, Deputy Executive Director of the Mobility Authority. “As we invest in new technology, it’s critical that we have confidence in the equipment we procure. OmniAir’s certification process gives us the peace of mind to know we are buying technology that is road ready, reliable and compatible with other cutting-edge systems.”
OmniAir offers independent, third-party testing and certification for RFID tolling tags and readers, as well as connected vehicle technologies, including C-V2X radios. OmniAir is focused on certifying critical-to-life safety devices that, when fully deployed, will have the potential to save lives and reduce injuries, while benefitting the overall environment.
Dailey says the Mobility Authority is monitoring this work closely and is anxious to test and implement these new technologies as they become available for deployment.
About OmniAir Consortium
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.
About the Mobility Authority
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is a local, independent government agency created in 2002 to improve the regional transportation system in Travis and Williamson counties. The Mobility Authority implements innovative and sustainable transportation options to enhance quality of life and economic vitality in Central Texas. The Mobility Authority operates 183A Toll, 290 Toll, the 71 Toll Lane, the MoPac Express Lane, the 45SW Toll Road, and the 183 Toll Road. The agency is finishing construction of the 8-mile 183 South Project and the 290/130 Flyovers Project. For more information about the Mobility Authority, visit www.MobilityAuthority.com.
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Sabu Stephen is an active OmniAir® Board member and has made many contributions to the organization over his three-year tenure.
Sabu was appointed to serve as a Public Sector Representative on the executive committee by OmniAir Chair Steve Novosad in recognition of those efforts.
“Joining the esteemed colleagues currently serving on the executive committee is an honor and privilege,” said Sabu Stephen, Assistant Executive Director of Operations for NTTA. “NTTA is dedicated to the advancement of certified technology that benefits the tolling sector and those who depend on us for a safe and reliable commute.”
Sabu first joined NTTA in 2014 as the director of information technology. His responsibilities included managing NTTA’s transition to a new back-office system and the organization’s business applications, roadway system operations, and support.
In January 2018, he was promoted to the Assistant Executive Director of Operations, where he leads the customer care, collections, customer contact center, information technology, and human resource departments.
About OmniAir Consortium
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.
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January 28, 2021 3:23PM
OmniAir Releases V2X Test Control Interface Version 3
OmniAir Consortium®, the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles, is excited to announce the completion of our latest V2X, Test Control Interface Version 3 (TCIv3).
Our latest publication introduces new elements for automating C-V2X testing and includes enhancements that support 802.11, 3GPP, 1609.x, J2945/1, and J3161/1 in addition to C-V2X test scripts. This version utilizes a standard protocol between test tools and devices that allows for controlled and repeatable testing.
TCIv3 is scalable and enables users to push “AT” commands and to change XML config files to C-V2X devices under test. These updates will help lower the overall cost of certification testing as the process is automated.
“Developing the latest OmniAir test control interface was a major endeavor,” said Mike Brown, Institute Engineer at Southwest Research Institute and OmniAir Connected Vehicle Techincal Working Group Chair. “The new version is designed to bring about a streamlined approach to testing and certifying life-saving V2X devices.”
There are a few items a device under test (DUT) vendor must do to enable TCIv3. The DUT must support an IPv6-based link (Ethernet, Board, USB, Wifi or Cellular), generate basic safety messages (BSM), read security credentials, and be able to download security credentials for at least one vendor.
OmniAir members have the exclusive right to implement TCIv3 into their test systems and V2X devices. It is also important for our members participating in Plugfest readiness testing events to incorporate the latest version. Those attending without TCIv3 will have limited manual testing available.
Members are encouraged to contact Aaron Moore, Technology Programs Manager for access to the Github and SharePoint sites.
About OmniAir Consortium
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.
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January 27, 2021 2:31PM
OmniAir Developing New Certification Program for C-V2X Modules
Earlier this week, OmniAir sat down with Frank Perry, Assistant Vice President, Senior Technical Principal of Connected and Automated Vehicles at WSP, and Chair of OmniAir’s Certification Working Group. Frank has volunteered to lead an effort to develop an OmniAir C-V2X Module Level Certification Program. The program’s goal is twofold, to focus testing on core communications required for exchanging data between V2X devices as well as to help drive down the overall cost of certification.
Q: What is a Module?
Frank: In this case, for the new OmniAir program, a module is a chipset, firmware, and software required to provide core (radio) V2X communications. A typical V2X module supports the PHY (R14/802.11p) layer through Network (1609.3) layer. Security (1609.2) may also be part of a V2X module.
Q: How does OmniAir’s Module Level Certification Program differ from OmniAir’s existing OBU and RSU Certification Programs?
Frank: While (radio) V2X communications are the primary focus of OmniAir Certification, existing programs focus on the entire device, including hardware, (V2X) security, positioning, and other functionality.
Separating core communications from overall device functionality enables device manufacturers to purchase the communication functionality, confident that it meets OmniAir testing requirements, and focus their development on other aspects of a device.
Q: What are the benefits of utilizing an OmniAir certified V2X module?
Frank: With the module handling the core V2X communication functions, device manufactures can focus on developing V2X hardware, security, positioning, applications, etc., reducing development resources. Incorporating a certified V2X module can reduce overall risk and lower the cost of bringing a device to market.
Q: I understand you have worked for an automotive OEM, a tier-one supplier, and now a systems integrator. How does your experience guide the development of the new certification program for modules?
Frank: I am taking my cues from the device manufacture standpoint. The goal is to develop a robust program that can be implemented in a reasonable timeframe and within a reasonable budget.
Q: What stage of development is the new certification program, and is it too late to join?
Frank: We are in the very early stages and have developed a rough outline. At our next meeting, we will flesh out the bullet points to set the direction. The second answer is easy, no it is not too late to join. We encourage additional module providers to join OmniAir and help shape the program.
Q: How will this certification program impact the future development of V2X devices?
Frank: If done correctly, it would open up the industry to further innovation. Currently, most V2X device makers are developing software and modules for their specific device. When there are certified modules on the market, it will reduce development time and encourage others that might not have the resources to develop new applications and V2X devices.
Q: What is the best way to get involved in the Working Group?
Frank: First, your organization must be an OmniAir member. OmniAir working groups are open to all OmniAir member employees.
If you are already an employee of an OmniAir member company, there is a simple form to fill out online. The next step is to roll up your sleeves and work collaboratively to develop and determine the requirements for this and other national and international focused certification programs.
The Certification Working Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 11:00 am Eastern. We look forward to seeing you there!