Biden calls for greater Amtrak, public transportation funds

The proposed budget includes $142 billion for the U.S. Department of Transportation, with $3 billion carved out for Amtrak and $13.6 billion for public transportation.

By Dan Zukowski • March 29, 2022

Nearly $45B for climate and clean energy included in Biden’s proposed budget

It calls for investments in zero-emission vehicles and related infrastructure so federal agencies can provide "immediate, clear, and stable" demand. There are also carveouts for electrifying low-income homes.

By Ethan Howland • March 29, 2022

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

Uber to add New York City taxis to its app

After years of competing for passengers, Uber and taxi apps are teaming up to give drivers access to more rides, and riders access to the ubiquitous yellow cabs.

By Dan Zukowski • March 24, 2022

Envisioning a policy framework for the growth of AVs and SAVs

Public policy will need to evolve with vehicle automation advances to ensure privately owned, shared and fleet AVs meet community needs. Examining the likely phases of this transition can help officials anticipate policy needs.

By Susan Shaheen • March 22, 2022

Boston to launch e-cargo bike pilot aimed at small business deliveries

The city's mayor’s office said the 18-month program "gives Boston an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and congestion on our streets, all while making them safer for drivers and pedestrians alike."

By Austyn Gaffney • March 21, 2022

SXSW 2022: Smart Cities Dive’s coverage from Austin, Texas

At the SXSW conference this month — its first in-person event since 2019 — speakers dove into a range of issues affecting the future of cities and potential solutions to improve the quality of life for all.

March 21, 2022

Short Trips: Futurist warns 'Cold War 2' could slow EV, AV transition

In SXSW's first transportation track, accessibility and sustainability challenges were a common theme.

By Dan Zukowski • March 18, 2022

Long-awaited safety rule a 'big step' for future of AVs

It will be easier for automakers to release cars with automated driving technology without seeking exemptions, one scholar said, but it won't change the testing in some localities that have opened the door to pilots.

By Jason Plautz • March 17, 2022

The 2020s will be a 'transformative' transportation era, Buttigieg says at SXSW

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed safety, equity and other Biden administration priorities while cautioning that infrastructure development will play out over the decade. 

By Dan Zukowski • March 17, 2022

Congress and White House open the flow of public transportation funds

Passage of the $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package releases funds under the bipartisan infrastructure law, while federal transit awards unlock hundreds of millions to support operations from New York City to San Francisco. 

By Dan Zukowski • March 15, 2022

Biden touts direct municipal aid in ARPA, infrastructure law at NLC conference

Administration officials on Monday urged the implementation of funds for transportation, public health and other critical needs. City leaders discussed challenges with accessing grants and the need for more proactive spending.

By Maria Rachal • March 15, 2022

New VTOL aircraft to serve short routes by mid-decade: SXSW

Vertical take-off and landing aircraft could soon be used to avoid congestion at major airports, a panelist said at the event.

By Dan Zukowski • March 15, 2022

Washington state legislators again mandate 100% electric new car sales by 2030

The target is the most ambitious in the U.S. and was included in a broader $16.9 billion transportation package that is now headed to Gov. Inslee’s desk.

By Kavya Balaraman • March 14, 2022

7 ways cities can make transportation safer for women: study

Women's safety concerns increase their transportation costs and reduce their transit ridership. Better incident reporting is among the changes that could help, according to a recent study with input from riders.

By Dan Zukowski • March 11, 2022

In it for the long haul: 5 steps to secure micromobility's future

Veo CEO Candice Xie shares insights on how the industry can walk the talk in terms of becoming environmentally sustainable and more financially resilient.

By Candice Xie • March 9, 2022

Atlanta embraces tactical urbanism in Vision Zero initiative

As the city looks for top-down changes to eliminate traffic deaths, officials are encouraging temporary and low-cost solutions driven by neighborhood residents. 

By Jason Plautz • March 9, 2022

Federal Highway Administration advances Complete Streets program

In the face of rising traffic deaths among pedestrians and bicyclists, Complete Streets will be the "default funding" for most roadways.

By Dan Zukowski • March 8, 2022

Public-private partnership as a tool for EV infrastructure

Public-private partnership as a tool for EV infrastructure

By Robert Alfert • March 4, 2022

Short Trips: Will the Ukraine war slow the momentum for EVs?

Also this week: advancements in air mobility, transit-led gentrification fears in Charlotte, and the FHWA goes all in on Complete Streets.

By Dan Zukowski • March 4, 2022

Inflation, production backlogs hit electric transit bus manufacturer Proterra

The company, which makes electric transit buses and EV batteries for other commercial vehicles, warns of little improvement in parts shortages this year as inflation leads to price increases. 

By Dan Zukowski • March 3, 2022

As Biden plans EV charger rollout, location questions take the fore

From Denver to Seattle, cities are placing charging stations in under-resourced neighborhoods. The efforts could guide state plans that must meet equity goals to qualify for federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program funds.

By Jason Plautz • March 2, 2022

US closes airspace to Russian planes

President Biden ordered U.S. airspace closed to all Russian-controlled aircraft and flights from Russia as the U.S. Embassy in Russia advises U.S. citizens to consider leaving "immediately" via commercial flights on other airlines.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated March 2, 2022

Cities face rising transit crime that might deter riders

In response to recent high-profile attacks in the subway system, New York City is removing over 1,000 people experiencing homelessness who use the system as a shelter. Other cities are facing increased transit crime as well.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 25, 2022

The role of transportation in building corporate sustainability

Improving employees' commuting choices is a critical step towards achieving corporate sustainability.

Feb. 22, 2022

Rail transit vulnerable to cyberattacks, experts say

Criminals and state actors have attacked transit computer networks and could soon attack operations systems, with potentially dangerous consequences, cybersecurity experts say.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 18, 2022