Tampa Connected Vehicle Pilot
COMMUNICATE. EDUCATE. RECRUIT. SMARTER.
Deploying connected vehicle technology in the heart of downtown Tampa is a complex task that requires effective communication with a variety of audiences. The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) selected Global-5 to handle outreach, stakeholder education, recruitment and training for the $21-million project, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program.
- Client: Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA)
- Website: tampacvpilot.com
- Services: Public Awareness & Information, Media Relations, Writing & Editing, News Releases & Distribution, Content Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Recruitment, Training, Branding, Visual Identity, Graphic Design, Collateral, Presentations, Promotional Toolkits, Social Media, Web Design, SEO, Analytics, Interactive Programming, Video Production, Photography, FAQs, Research, Planning, Surveys, Database Management, Conferences, Technology Demonstrations, Press Events, Exhibit Creative Services, Onsite Logistics
- Markets: Connected Vehicles, Emerging Technologies, Government, Transportation
Challenge
Deploying connected vehicle technology in the heart of downtown Tampa is a complex task that requires effective communication with a variety of audiences. The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) selected Global-5 to handle outreach, stakeholder education, recruitment and training for the $21-million project, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Connected Vehicle Pilot Deployment Program.
Solutions
DEMONSTRATION LEADS TO DISCOVERY
When we invited local, national and international media to ride in a connected vehicle during a public demonstration in downtown Tampa, our news release caught the eye of a Discovery Channel producer who went on to showcase the project on Daily Planet, a science and technology program that airs worldwide.
AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING
For many people, a car that communicates with its environment seems more futuristic than attainable in the present day. To change that perception, we produced photos and video showing real drivers receiving safety messages in their cars as they navigate recognizable local roads. Suddenly, connected vehicle technology moved from dream to reality.
DIGITAL CAMPAIGN DRIVES RECRUITMENT
Tasked with recruiting more than 1,000 drivers to volunteer for the pilot project as research subjects, we conducted a multiplatform digital campaign to reach specific groups of local commuters. The campaign offered attractive incentives and explained how connected vehicle technology can help prevent crashes, improve mobility and reduce vehicle emissions.
CV PILOT MANIA!
Only drivers who met certain criteria were eligible to participate in the pilot, and we didn’t want anyone to feel left out. So we created a fan club that offers opportunities for anyone with an enthusiastic interest in the project to keep up with the latest developments, spread the word and join the fun.
By the Numbers
1,000
Drivers
10
Buses
8
Streetcars
Awards
2019 ITS America Best of ITS Award for THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot
2019 Communicator Award of Distinction for THEA Streetcar Installation video
Hermes Creative Awards – Honorable Mention – THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot streetcar video
AVA Digital Awards – Honorable Mention – THEA Connected Vehicle Pilot streetcar video