Report: More than a third of US bridges are structurally deficient. It could take decades to fix them.

As the Senate advances a bipartisan infrastructure bill, bridges in urban areas continue to deteriorate. Here are three that exemplify the urgency.

By Zachary Phillips • Aug. 3, 2021

California’s first AV public passenger service could provide key industry and market data

General Motors-owned Cruise will operate the first-ever driverless car service in the state. Others in the space said they hope to learn a lot — including how the public reacts — from its efforts.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 2, 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

Senate votes to advance bill with $550B for aging US infrastructure

Far smaller than Biden's American Jobs Plan, the bipartisan bill will next enter a phase of debates and amendments.

By Zachary Phillips • Updated July 29, 2021

Despite limited participation, advocates see potential for Northeast transportation cap-and-invest plan

Only four of the over a dozen original participants of the Transportation and Climate Initiative signed on to a final program to cut transportation emissions. Backers say there's still a bright future.

By Jason Plautz • July 29, 2021

Indiana DOT, Purdue developing wireless EV charging for highways

The aim is to create the first paved highway segment that contains contactless, wireless technologies to charge electric vehicles as they drive over it.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated July 29, 2021

Queens is on a quest to become a ‘smart borough’

A recently elected borough president aims to transform Queens. But one expert cautions the need for a "thoughtful, intentional and iterative" strategy, as smart city planning is "not for the faint of heart." 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 26, 2021

Pittsburgh's new MaaS platform and mobility hubs aim to support 'universal basic mobility'

The platform combines information on transit, e-scooters, car-sharing and carpooling services in one app. By pairing with a free subscription pilot program and mobility hubs, the goal is to improve accessibility for low-income residents.

By Jason Plautz • July 22, 2021

When it comes to autonomous vehicles, it’s time municipalities got into the driver’s seat

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.As the hos...

By Dr. Dale Neef • July 22, 2021

California approves expedited pathway for near-term utility EV investments

The decision will help California move toward its goal of deploying five million zero-emission vehicles by 2030, along with 250,000 light-duty or passenger vehicle chargers by 2025.

By Kavya Balaraman • July 16, 2021

Southern California Edison plans for 38,000 EV charging stations in next five years

The utility's $436 million program, the largest initiative of its kind by any investor-owned utility, will include an "added emphasis" on installing electric vehicle chargers in multifamily apartment and condo buildings. 

By Scott Van Voorhis • July 15, 2021

Berlin Shell stations to include Swiftmile micromobility charging hubs

Home to Europe's largest micromobility fleet, the German city's charging hubs could offer lessons for U.S. cities seeking to support the micromobility boom and electric transportation. 

By Jason Plautz • July 9, 2021

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

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