A delegation of transport experts from Michigan, US, met with Australian counterparts in Melbourne last week as part of the Michigan Australia Exchange in Mobility (Max) initiative.
Led by Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer, a delegation from Michigan joined Australian transport experts at the University of Melbourne for the Mobility Roundtable, jointly hosted by the university and ITS Australia.
“Technology is transforming the transport sector rapidly, and Australia has a role to play in developing the solutions to improve the safety and efficiency of our transport networks and quality of life for Australia and for cities around the world,” says university vice-chancellor Professor Emma Johnston.
“Michigan is a powerhouse in automotive manufacturing and technology and Australia is a global leader in intelligent transport so exchanging ideas and collaborating works for the benefit of both our countries.
The event also showcased Melbourne's living lab for testing integrated transport technology, Australian Integrated Multimodal EcoSystem (Aimes).
“In Michigan, mobility and innovation are in our DNA," Whitmer said. "We put the world on wheels, and now we’re leading the future too."
“We’re committed to collaboration across government at all levels and between the public and private sectors to make Michigan the best place for bold ideas to take shape. We will build on the 2023 MoU between Michigan and Australia as we deepen our international cooperation in mobility innovation and knowledge sharing. Let’s keep working together, across oceans, to lead the future of mobility.”
ITS Australia arranged meetings for its members to speak with the Michigan delegation about future mobility, electrification of Australia’s transport system, performance-based contracts, approaches to transport infrastructure funding and maintenance.
“I am so proud of the work the ITS Australia team does to ensure our members have the chance to connect with global leaders and take advantage of international opportunities, as the intelligent transport systems sector innovates and grows,” ITS Australia CEO Susan Harris said.
Professor Majid Sarvi, director of Aimes, said the roundtable was a wonderful opportunity for the Australian experts to “share their experience in implementing large-scale, connected vehicle technology in the heart of Melbourne, to combat road safety trauma, with Michigan”.
“Following several events in recent years in Michigan and Australia, this roundtable focused on how to address the challenges in adopting emerging technologies in transport, which could significantly contribute to sustainability, reduced congestion and improved traffic safety,” Professor Sarvi said.
Other participants at the roundtable included Bradley Wieferich, director of the Michigan Department of Transportation, and Dean Zabrieszach, CEO of HMI Technologies and ITS Australia's international ambassador.
