New York passed LA as the most congested US metro region in 2020: report

Traffic delays dropped to levels not seen since 1997 during the pandemic. Congestion is already starting to pick back up, though, with experts saying delays will eventually return to 2019 levels. 

By Danielle McLean • July 8, 2021

Giving new life to deserted parking garages

Cities' declining dependence on cars and commutes may point to a novel solution for the lack of affordable housing in cities, writes The Traffic Group's Wes Guckert.

By Wes Guckert • July 7, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

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

Transit workers risk 'great ambush' without federal investment in training, labor leaders say

The INVEST in America Act provides funding for the first national training center for transportation workers, which leaders say will be crucial in addressing a skills gap and a shrinking worker pipeline.

By Chris Teale • July 6, 2021

Philadelphia challenge looks to use AR to improve transit accessibility

The smart city challenge will also invite people with disabilities to share their public transportation experiences via a survey to inform competition ideas.

By Chris Teale • July 2, 2021

Chicago pilot to address racial inequities in transit-oriented development

The effort will fund up to 10 projects to enhance development near transit in communities of color while tackling issues like "transit-induced gentrification."

By Jason Plautz • June 24, 2021

Amazon partners with three transit agencies to invest $300M in affordable housing

Through its new Housing Equity Fund, the company will fund an estimated 3,000 affordable housing units near transit in its U.S. hubs in the suburbs of Seattle and Washington, D.C., and in Nashville, Tennessee. 

By Katie Pyzyk • June 23, 2021

Bird adds electric bikes to its fleet

The micromobility giant plans to expand its offerings beyond dockless scooters later this year, following a pledge to explore other transportation modes as it prepares to go public.

By Chris Teale • June 23, 2021

Bipartisan $973B infrastructure proposal alarms EV advocates with annual surcharge on vehicles

Ten Democratic and 11 Republican senators support an annual surcharge on the vehicles, but industry advocates warn it could dampen enthusiasm for the transition away from gasoline-powered cars and trucks.

By Robert Walton • June 22, 2021

Autonomous shuttles still face tech, regulatory barriers to permanent adoption

Low-speed shuttle pilot projects have had some success, including innovative adaptations during the pandemic, but AVs are still years from wide adoption.

By Chris Teale • June 22, 2021

$20B Dallas-Houston high-speed rail project moves forward

The project is based on Central Japan Railway's Tokaido Shinkansen system. It aims to travel at up to 200 mph, faster than any other rail service in the U.S., according to Texas Central Railroad.

By Jennifer Goodman • June 21, 2021

Pittsburgh unveils its first pedestrian safety action plan

Objectives range from preventing serious injuries or deaths on city streets to ensuring short trips are easy and enjoyable by non-auto travel.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 18, 2021

What's the ROI for passenger rail? New tool seeks to quantify broader benefits

As the White House advocates for more passenger rail, including high-speed options, a new report says developers can better demonstrate how trains improve the communities they serve.

By Jason Plautz • June 17, 2021

FedEx, Nuro sign multi-year deal to test autonomous last-mile delivery

Testing began in Houston and may expand to additional cities over time, according to a spokesperson for robotics company Nuro.

By Edwin Lopez • June 17, 2021

At challenge's conclusion, Smart Columbus to continue its work

With the four-year federal grant funding period at an end, the Ohio organization said it will stay focused on how technology can address societal issues and maintain many of its initiatives.

By Chris Teale • June 15, 2021

Houston to Fort Worth route poised for autonomous truck pilot

J.B. Hunt and Waymo plan to test autonomous Class 8 trucks hauling freight between the Texas cities along Interstate 45, as many driverless operations focus on middle mile routes.

By S.L. Fuller • June 14, 2021

LA moves closer to offering zero-fare transit

If approved, L.A. Metro's $321 million zero-fare pilot for students and low-income riders would join other U.S. cities exploring similar programs following the pandemic.

By Jason Plautz • June 10, 2021

Transit funding a flashpoint in surface transportation debate

Should the U.S. government fund more public transportation or less? FAST Act reauthorization proposals take opposing positions on the issue.

By Chris Teale • June 8, 2021

E-scooter fees help fund protected bike lanes in downtown Miami

Miami will add about three miles of protected micromobility lanes on busy downtown corridors as part of a $2 million program, partially funded by the city's micromobility fund.

By Jason Plautz • June 8, 2021

Tampa, Florida, creates resilience plan to prepare for next crisis

The road map, which officials say is the first to be released during or after the coronavirus pandemic, calls for more affordable housing and broadband access in addition to climate-ready infrastructure.

By Chris Teale • June 3, 2021

Cities consider taking police out of traffic stops

Localities like Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, and Berkeley, California, are re-imagining traffic enforcement amid national calls for police reform. 

By Cailin Crowe • June 3, 2021

Atlanta suburb deploys new tech to tame traffic

Peachtree Corners, Georgia, will use cellular vehicle-to-everything technology to help improve safety and alleviate "one of the biggest headaches" residents face every day.

By Chris Teale • June 2, 2021

A $10B federal proposal to improve transit station accessibility

According to recent data, 20% of U.S. transit stations are not fully accessible. The All Stations Accessibility Program Act of 2021 aims to support upgrades at stations to meet or exceed Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

By Jason Plautz • May 27, 2021

Brooklyn neighborhood tackles perception that bikeshare is just for white New Yorkers

The NYC Better Bike Share Partnership has helped the Citi Bike program through community engagement and diverse leadership in its bid to become more equitable, a potential model for other city micromobility programs.

By Jason Plautz • May 24, 2021

Experts aim to dispel low-speed zone myths, a key hurdle to safer cities

Low-speed zones curb traffic deaths and offer proven economic benefits, advocates argue. "The number of lives that can be saved with relatively small reductions in speed is just mind boggling," said one World Bank official.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 21, 2021

Increased road deaths prompt calls for improved vehicle tech

While some in Congress continue to talk up the promise of autonomous vehicles, others said existing technologies can help bring fatalities down now — and they warned of AVs' risks to safety and jobs.

By Chris Teale • May 19, 2021