Pittsburgh bridge collapse raises questions, infrastructure funding concerns

The span fell the day President Joe Biden was visiting to promote the IIJA, underscoring his push to improve the nation's dated infrastructure.

By Matthew Thibault • Feb. 1, 2022

More electric buses join transit fleets as costs and technology improve

As zero-emission buses are added to more transit fleets, officials and bus manufacturers are optimistic about their potential, but they caution that planning, training and learning from other cities are needed.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 31, 2022

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Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

Connected vehicle tech at impasse as NTSB, FCC fight over spectrum issues

Two federal agencies can't agree on data communications spectrum needs for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications that experts say will save lives.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 28, 2022

8 trends shaping cities in 2022

Cities continue to confront challenges surrounding the pandemic, the climate crisis, rising inequality and public safety this year.

By Cailin Crowe, Danielle McLean, Maria Rachal, Dan Zukowski and Jason Plautz • Jan. 26, 2022

How Keolis North America CEO sees the state of public transportation today

As public transit agencies struggle with labor challenges and changing ridership, the head of a large private sector contractor that operates bus and rail systems across North America seeks to help cities adapt.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 25, 2022

Creative financing needed to boost EV charging infrastructure: DOE

As the White House aims to roll out a network of 500,000 EV chargers, a speaker at the National EV Charging Summit said public dollars alone can't meet Biden's 2030 goal for half of passengers vehicle sales to be EVs. 

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 21, 2022

Lyft, Bird execs say subsidies, infrastructure crucial to expanding micromobility

Cities should prioritize making parking for micro-electric vehicles universal and pay "pennies on the dollar" to provide service in less profitable, low-density neighborhoods, industry leaders said this week during Micromobility World.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 14, 2022

North Carolina sets goal to sell 50% zero-emission vehicles by 2030

An executive order released Friday by Gov. Roy Cooper expands the state's climate ambitions with new goals for zero-emission transportation and workforce equity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 11, 2022

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg praises smart city innovation at CES

In a virtual address last week, Buttigieg said he anticipates that cities will be built on connected technology and guided by government policy that encourages collaboration, experimentation and support for workers.  

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 10, 2022

Electric, autonomous delivery vehicle boom expected on city streets as inventories and orders grow

With Amazon, FedEx and Walmart among those placing major orders for electric delivery vehicles, thousands will appear on the road in coming years, executives announced at CES.

By Dan Zukowski • Jan. 7, 2022

Scooter helmet laws pit safety against accessibility

Miami allowed scooters to return to city streets with a new helmet requirement, but some critics warn that top-down helmet mandates do more harm than good.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 6, 2022

At last, an infrastructure bill that gives people a reason to get out of their cars

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act could bring tech-enabled mobility to urban ‘transit deserts,' expanding economic opportunities while reducing emissions and traffic congestion, writes Via's head of public policy. 

By Andrei Greenawalt • Jan. 6, 2022

The road ahead: How legacy auto brands will level the EV playing field in 2022

After setting the stage at CES with lofty product announcements, carmakers will focus on value, range and brand heritage to close the gap with disrupters like Tesla.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 5, 2022

12 predictions about the trends that will shape smart cities in 2022

As local leaders continue to adapt to the tremendous changes that the past year brought, industry players share how they anticipate cities will evolve.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 5, 2022

Q&A's from 2021 that spotlight 13 smart cities voices

Revisit the year's one-on-one conversations, including with tech and climate leaders in Honolulu, Phoenix and San Diego and with execs at Revel, Veo and Drop Mobility.

Dec. 23, 2021

How the pandemic has shaped driver and pedestrian behavior

The past year has seen drastic changes to driver behavior and commuting patterns, ushering in an era of high traffic and pedestrian deaths.

Dec. 22, 2021

To cut traffic deaths, safety groups call for an approach that factors in human error

The USDOT is expected to put out the first National Roadway Safety Strategy in January. Can safety officials, law enforcement, automakers and government regulators agree on how to stop the surge in traffic fatalities?

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 21, 2021

Cities lack sufficient data to monitor their progress toward climate goals: report

Just 19 of 100 large U.S. cities studied by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy are on track to meet their climate goals, and only 25 have set goals to cut emissions from transportation.

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 17, 2021

Seattle's regional transit system adopts plans for more equitable service

The King County Council unanimously approved a series of long-range plans that will expand service for underrepresented communities, a shift from its historic focus on serving commuters and suburban riders.

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 16, 2021

New Jersey pursuing on-demand AV transit service in Trenton

State officials say the service could help bridge first- and last-mile transportation, while one expert says it's unclear if "sexy new transportation technologies" like autonomous vehicles can achieve transportation goals. 

By Danielle McLean • Dec. 15, 2021

Smart tech aims to improve transit accessibility for the visually impaired

Transit data firm Moovit and UK startup WeWALK have partnered to bring real-time transit directions to electronic canes, intended to improve the accessibility of public transit for visually impaired riders.

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 14, 2021

White House unveils EV charging action plan, prepares network rollout guidance for cities, states

The Joint Office of Transportation and Energy will help guide federal efforts and coordinate with state and local entities for an equitable rollout of a charging network, utilizing funds from infrastructure legislation.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 14, 2021

Biden order on emissions-free power, EVs sends market signals, experts say

As part of the effort, the federal government — the largest U.S. energy consumer — would get half of its power from 24/7 emissions-free sources by 2030.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 10, 2021

Boston's new chief of streets to steer city beyond car-centric transportation

Former city CIO Jascha Franklin-Hodge will begin the role in January, aiming to support the sustainable transportation ideas that recently elected Mayor Wu campaigned on, including fare-free bus routes. 

By Cailin Crowe • Dec. 10, 2021

Jersey City to add network of secure bike lockers doubling as transit shelters

The placemaking installations near transit hubs will be the nation's first holistic network of secure bike parking, according to a local official, supporting local cycling culture as many residents have cited concerns about bike theft. 

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 9, 2021