Transportation: Page 43


  • 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
  • A white Ford self-driving car equipped with rooftop sensors turns a corner on a city street.
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    Courtesy of Argo AI
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    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 July 8, 2022
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    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 July 8, 2022
  • A view showing the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles with a freeway full of traffic in the foreground.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    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 July 8, 2022
  • Two vehicles parked in a garage, with an electric charging cable connceted to a white Nissan in the foreground.
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    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 July 7, 2022
  • An Amtrak locomotive pulls a passenger train into a station.
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    Dan Zukowski/Smart Cities Dive
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    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 July 6, 2022
  • Charging a hybrid vehicle in the rain.
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    deepblue4you via Getty Images
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    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
  • Passengers board a MUNI bus in San Francisco, California.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    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 July 5, 2022
  • New York's Second Avenue subway train pulls into 86th Street station.
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    Dan Zukowski/Smart Cities Dive
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    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 July 1, 2022
  • Tesla cars drive in the Central Station during a media preview of the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop on April 9, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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    Ethan Miller via Getty Images
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    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 June 30, 2022
  • Traffic moves along a highway in San Francisco, California, with buildings and skyscrapers in the background, under a blue sky.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    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 June 30, 2022
  • Seattle EV chargers on utility poles.
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    Permission granted by Seattle City Light
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    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
  • Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle.
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    Permission granted by General Motors
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    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 June 28, 2022
  • Rendering of Regent seaglider EVTOL aircraft.
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    Courtesy of REGENT
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    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 Updated June 27, 2022
  • Bicycle messenger with cargo bike speeding for delivery.
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    intst via Getty Images
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    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
  • U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about gas prices in the South Court Auditorium at the White House campus on June 22, 2022 in Washington, DC.
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    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 June 23, 2022
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    Spencer Platt / Staff via Getty Images
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    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
  • A Metro train conductor checks the platform at the Brookland-Catholic University of America station December 02, 2020 in Washington, DC
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    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 June 22, 2022
  • Rendering of Boring Co. surface station.
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    Courtesy of The Boring Co.
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    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
  • Helbiz and Wheels micromobility vehicles
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    Permission granted by Helbiz
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    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
  • Traffic light with traffic camera
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    Veni vidi...shoot via Getty Images
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    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
  • SAE Level 4 automated transit bus by New Flyer.
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    Courtesy of New Flyer
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    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 June 15, 2022
  • A vehicle for sale sits in front of a showroom
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    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
  • Advocates for transit, the homeless and public safety speak at a rally to announce plan to improve safety on New York's subways.
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    Permission granted by Danny Pearlstein/Riders Alliance
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    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 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