More automated bus lane enforcement cameras coming to NYC

Oakland-based startup Hayden AI announced its first contract this week with New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority for hundreds of bus-mounted cameras.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 12, 2022

Why cities are exploring metaverse technology

Santa Monica, California, and Seoul, South Korea, are among the cities exploring how metaverse technology can improve city services or attract and boost businesses. Still, some people fear it could leave residents behind.

By Karen Kroll • Aug. 8, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Smart Cities Technology and Data

Cities are increasingly looking to technology and data to address real-world issues from traffic safety to law enforcement.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Cities hope bus-mounted cameras will hold bus lane violators accountable

Baltimore, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., are among the cities trying this technology to identify perpetrators, but legal snags and questions about effectiveness remain.

By Charles Pekow • Aug. 5, 2022

Together, EVs, AVs and multimodal transportation will create more vibrant cities

Gas stations, subway stations, parking garages and roads are among the city features we can reimagine as new mobility technologies change how we get from point A to point B, writes a leading exec at Gensler.

By Andy Cohen • Aug. 5, 2022

For his new smart desert city, billionaire Marc Lore eyes Nevada, Utah and Arizona

During a town hall in New York City, the Diapers.com founder and his team envisioned Telosa having dozens of “15-minute cities” and a resident-controlled endowment to help pay for government services.

By Adina Solomon • July 29, 2022

Coral Gables, Florida, deploys drones designed to respond to emergencies sooner than police

Bond's Air Guardian surveils for threats during large events, identifies suspects during ongoing criminal activity and assesses fires or natural disasters before first responders can arrive. 

By Danielle McLean • July 26, 2022

Pop-up bike lanes assessed with high-tech and low-tech strategies in New Jersey

Virtual reality-capture technology, traffic cameras and lidar footage — plus chalk, stencils, and a pool noodle — helped Rutgers University researchers evaluate temporary bike lanes in Asbury Park, New Jersey.

By Charles Pekow • July 25, 2022

Miami Beach pilot aims to address loud cars with noise-detecting cameras

Following implementation in Knoxville, Tennessee, and New York City, the Florida city is looking to use technology to help crack down on noise violations from vehicles.

By Danielle McLean • July 22, 2022

Amazon expanding drone delivery service to Texas

The mayor of College Station said in a statement that being an early adopter of the service could put it "at the forefront of the development of drone delivery technology.”

By Max Garland • July 15, 2022

Washington, DC, among cities piloting transparency standard for digital tech

Cities implementing the Digital Trust for Places and Routines communications standard incorporate signs with visual icons and QR codes that inform the public of nearby technology like sensors and cameras.

By Austyn Gaffney • July 15, 2022

With IT modernization plan, Chicago aims for more accessible, transparent and secure data

A holistic initiative to modernize data access and IT infrastructure citywide could put Chicago at the forefront of urban tech efforts, government IT experts say.

By Austyn Gaffney • July 13, 2022

Ford, VW-backed AV technology firm Argo AI lays off 150 workers

As self-driving AV technology comes under increased criticism, the company that began operations in Austin and Miami this spring says it is making "adjustments to our business plan."

By Dan Zukowski • July 8, 2022

High-speed reality capture tool holds sustainability, preservation potential for cities

Using quick scanning technology, the latest generation of Leica Geosystems’ BLK360 device can help cities create digital twins that can be used in sustainability initiatives and for maintaining existing infrastructure.

By Melissa Goldin • June 29, 2022

AI-enabled cameras and lidar can improve traffic today and support the AVs of tomorrow

Upgrading traffic cameras with AI improves performance and prepares for advancements such as autonomous vehicles. Future systems will likely tap the benefits of both cameras and lidar, write the co-founders of AI platform Derq.

By Georges Aoude and Karl Jeanbart • June 17, 2022

Reno, Nevada, joins cities using blockchain to improve record-keeping

As the city rolls out its “Biggest Little Blockchain” initiative to create what’s described as a first-of-its-kind record-keeping system, some other local governments are using the tech for what it is at its core – a ledger.

By Melissa Goldin • June 14, 2022

Micromobility operators expand their footprint in small and midsized cities

As e-scooter and e-bike fleets hit the streets in dozens of smaller cities nationwide, operators try to take a localized approach to address many of the same complaints that have been voiced by residents of larger cities.

By Austyn Gaffney • June 9, 2022

All signs point to a 'growing appetite' for digital twins: report

Implementation is expected to increase 36% over the next five years, according to a Capgemini Research Institute report. But one smart city expert cautions city leaders against falling for the technology's "hype.”

By Cailin Crowe • June 8, 2022

Los Angeles pilots digital twin project to aid building decarbonization

Digital twin platform Cityzenith is teaming up with Los Angeles to help construct a virtual replica of a section of the city to help make its buildings more sustainable and reduce carbon emissions.

By Melissa Goldin • June 3, 2022

7 community-led initiatives to address gun violence in cities: report

The Center for American Progress released a report last week providing steps Texas city and county leaders can take to address gun violence, actions that could potentially be replicated nationwide.

By Cailin Crowe • June 2, 2022

Aerospace accelerator CEO forecasts a 'wave of disruptions' in urban air mobility

VTOL and other advanced air mobility technologies will change urban transportation, but the transformation will be slower than many expect, says Starburst CEO François Chopard. 

By Dan Zukowski • May 27, 2022

Pittsburgh targets bike, pedestrian infrastructure spending using traffic and crash data analysis

Adding StreetLight Data’s trip information to the city’s crash data, the project found that areas with less bike and pedestrian traffic experienced the most severe crashes.

By Charles Pekow • May 26, 2022

Micromobility companies use Google augmented reality technology to target scooter litter

Disability rights advocates say it’s too soon to know whether the technology will reduce the hazards caused by improperly parked scooters, but increasing awareness is an important first step.

By Melissa Goldin • May 20, 2022

To track urban heat, NOAA initiative offers funding for 2024

Jan. 31 is the deadline for communities to apply for the urban heat island mapping program for tracking neighborhood-level heat disparities.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Jan. 4, 2024

Chicago launches digital equity council to address racial barriers to internet access

The city's new council comes as President Biden announced a discounted internet service earlier this week that could potentially provide free internet for millions of U.S. households. 

By Cailin Crowe • May 12, 2022

These 3 technologies could make self-driving cars safer

With autonomous vehicles already operating in several cities, technology companies are working on high-definition maps, better artificial intelligence models and remote control for fleets when needed. 

By Dan Zukowski • May 11, 2022