Transportation: Page 43
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Texas energy retailer launches electric vehicle leasing business
Utilities across the country are working to enable the electric vehicle transition, but Octopus Energy says its new leasing and “smart charging” plan is unique.
By Robert Walton • July 11, 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 -
EV adoption is higher where consumers see more electric vehicles, studies show
Peer effects and EV-friendly government policies help drive consumer adoption of electric vehicles, mounting research suggests.
By Dan Zukowski • July 8, 2022 -
City on-road emissions targets proposed by Biden administration
The Transportation Department wants to require state DOTs and metropolitan planning organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from travel on National Highway System roads in their regions.
By Dan Zukowski • July 8, 2022 -
Interest in EVs has grown substantially, survey shows
A Consumer Reports survey shows 14% of consumers would buy or lease an electric vehicle if shopping today, but high purchase costs and low awareness of incentives remain barriers.
By Dan Zukowski • July 7, 2022 -
Breakdown in national rail labor negotiations could threaten Amtrak service
A rail shutdown is possible if no agreement is reached between the nation’s freight railroads and their labor unions, but President Joe Biden is expected to intervene this month.
By Dan Zukowski • July 6, 2022 -
Urban flooding presents challenges for electric vehicle charging stations
Considerations around sea level rise and intense rains come as the Federal Highway Administration weighs where to effectively locate chargers for the future as more people drive EVs.
By Charles Pekow • July 5, 2022 -
Volvo Group Venture Capital invests in transit software provider Optibus
The investment aims to advance bus electrification and support software infrastructure for sustainable, digital bus operations, the companies said.
By Dan Zukowski • July 5, 2022 -
New York's congestion pricing plan back on track after federal slowdown
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair Janno Lieber said the agency responded to virtually all outstanding questions from the Federal Highway Administration and hopes to implement the tolling plan in 2023.
By Dan Zukowski • July 1, 2022 -
Elon Musk's Boring Co. has big Texas tunnel ambitions, according to local media reports
The company reportedly has at least three projects in development with Texas communities, including a San Antonio airport-to-downtown connector that will shuttle riders in Tesla cars.
By Dan Zukowski • June 30, 2022 -
Federal infrastructure spending
US Department of Transportation now accepting applications for Reconnecting Communities program
Over the next five years, $1 billion will be available to help with highway teardowns or smaller projects like pedestrian crossings.
By Dan Zukowski • June 30, 2022 -
Seattle residents can request an EV charger on their street
By installing EV chargers on utility poles and freestanding structures, Seattle aims to meet the charging needs of residents in multifamily housing or others who don’t have garages, carports, or driveways.
By Katie Pyzyk • June 29, 2022 -
Q&A
General Motors aims to make EV charging accessible to apartment residents
Working with cities, states and local GM dealers, the automaker wants to solve the challenge of charging access for those who live in multifamily dwellings, its EV charging analyst explains.
By Dan Zukowski • June 28, 2022 -
Regent aims to launch flying boat network in Hawaii
Hawaii could be among the first states to see flying boats in regular operation if Regent clears certification and permitting hurdles for its proposed launch in 2025.
By Dan Zukowski • Updated June 27, 2022 -
5 strategies to advance micromobility for urban last-mile delivery: report
If urban deliveries grow 78% by 2030 as predicted, traffic and emissions will grow too, an Uber-commissioned whitepaper states. The use of bikes, cargo bikes, trolleys and drones could reduce those impacts.
By Charles Pekow • June 24, 2022 -
Transportation, labor, business, environmental groups object to Biden gas tax holiday proposal
The administration's plan for a three-month suspension of federal fuel taxes to help alleviate high prices received bipartisan pushback.
By Dan Zukowski • June 23, 2022 -
New York transit authority to upgrade most inaccessible subway stations by 2055
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority agreed to add ramps or elevators to 95% of all inaccessible New York City subway stations under a lengthy timeline resolving multiple class-action lawsuits.
By Maria Rachal • June 23, 2022 -
Transit worker shortage could be exacerbated by proposed federal drug testing rules, labor leader says
With transit agencies, Amtrak and airlines pressed for workers, the president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, said changes could cause some employees to lose their jobs and deter potential hires.
By Dan Zukowski • June 22, 2022 -
Las Vegas approves Boring Co. Loop under downtown
The city council last week greenlit an agreement with the Elon Musk-owned company, permitting it to build, own and operate underground tunnels beneath the Las Vegas Strip.
By Zachary Phillips • June 22, 2022 -
Micromobility operator Helbiz announces intent to acquire Wheels
The deal would bring together two micromobility players and give Helbiz seated scooter and integrated helmet assets.
By Maria Rachal • June 21, 2022 -
Opinion
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 -
FTA seeks public comments on automated transit bus research
Regulators want to hear from transit operators and users as more automated buses and shuttles begin testing on city streets. “The No. 1 focus for us is, can this benefit safety?” said Federal Transit Administration’s Karina Ricks.
By Dan Zukowski • June 15, 2022 -
Cars using self-driving technology involved in hundreds of crashes over 10 months: NHTSA
Tesla vehicles using advanced driver assistance systems — like its Autopilot feature — were involved in 75% of the reported crashes between July 2021 and May 15, 2022, according to NHTSA data.
By Danielle McLean • June 15, 2022 -
Transit advocates create NYC subway safety plan to address root causes of crime
The Riders Alliance held a rally in Brooklyn this weekend to roll out a public safety plan that calls for funding for shelter beds and permanent housing, among other measures, to improve safety.
By Dan Zukowski • June 13, 2022 -
DOT proposes rules for national EV charging network, including 97% uptime and 150 kW requirements
The proposal, which requires fast-charging stations to offer a standard plug and at least four charging ports, would apply to projects funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.
By Robert Walton • June 10, 2022