ACES Mobility Coalition Joins United for Autonomy to Advance a National AV Framework

The ACES Mobility Coalition is proud to announce that we have joined United for Autonomy, a newly formed national alliance dedicated to advancing a clear, consistent federal policy framework for autonomous vehicles. This partnership strengthens our mission to educate local agencies, state and federal legislators, and the public on the benefits of shared autonomous mobility, and amplifies the voice of our Coalition and the members we serve who understand the transformative impact AVs can have on communities nationwide.

Why ACES Joined the Alliance

Since our founding, the ACES Mobility Coalition has operated with a clear purpose: to support public agencies and industry leaders as they explore and deploy shared autonomous mobility solutions that improve access, reduce emissions, enhance safety, and strengthen the American workforce.

But to unlock the full value of shared autonomous mobility, the United States needs a federal policy framework that brings consistency, safety, and leadership to an industry evolving faster than today’s patchwork state regulations can support.

By joining United for Autonomy, ACES is helping advance the creation of an essential AV framework - one that ensures AV innovation is built around public safety, community access, and national competitiveness.

The Importance of a Federal Framework

A strong federal approach is fundamental to the safe and equitable rollout of autonomous technology.

National policy will help ensure:

• Consistent rules across the entire country

• Safer roadways, reducing crashes tied to human error like distraction and impairment

• Global competitiveness as foreign countries accelerate their AV investment

• New job creation across multiple skill levels, including roles that do not require a college degree

• Expanded mobility access for seniors, people with disabilities, and underserved communities

Without a reliable federal structure for vehicle design, performance, and deployment, the U.S. risks falling behind and preventing communities from benefiting from technologies already proving their value.

Who Is United for Autonomy?

United for Autonomy brings together 28 forward-thinking industries and mission-driven nonprofit organizations, representing transportation agencies, disability groups, innovators, manufacturers, and public-interest organizations—all aligned in their commitment to a safe, accessible, and forward-focused AV future.

The coalition’s work centers on:

• Advancing a clear federal policy framework for Autonomous vehicles (AV)

• Engaging policymakers, regulators, and the public

• Promoting AV innovation that ensures safety, economic resilience, and benefits every community

• Ensuring the U.S. remains the global leader in autonomous mobility

This diverse coalition underscores a simple truth: autonomous mobility is not just a technology issue. It affects safety, accessibility, freight movement, economic opportunity, public health, and quality of life.

Proof Points Driving Urgency

The case for federal leadership is supported by several key trends:

• 145+ million autonomous miles driven on U.S. roads as of May 2025

• 50% projected increase in freight demand by 2050

• 26 states already authorizing Level 4 or 5 autonomous operations

• 39,345 estimated road deaths in 2024, primarily by human error

• Thousands of emerging AV-related jobs across the country, hinging on policy direction

These indicators show rapid momentum, but also the risk of loss without consistent national policy.

Our Role Within the Coalition

As part of United for Autonomy, the ACES Mobility Coalition will:

• Continue to amplify the voice of our members and public-sector agencies using AVs to solve first- and last-mile challenges

• Demonstrate how shared autonomous mobility supports safety, sustainability, and workforce needs

• Advocate for policies that reflect on-the-ground realities in cities, counties, and transit agencies

• Work collaboratively with other nonprofits to promote AV education among legislators, regulators, and the public

Our members including transportation and transit agencies, manufacturers, and technology partners bring credibility grounded in real-world deployments. Their experiences will help ensure that any federal policy framework reflects the needs of communities that will rely on AV technologies every day.

Looking Ahead

Joining United for Autonomy marks an important milestone in ACES’ national leadership. Together with our new partners, we will continue to champion policies that ensure autonomous mobility delivers on its promise: safer roads, equitable access, stronger supply chains, expanded workforce opportunities, and better mobility outcomes for all.