If we want smart cities, we need to double down on rail transit

A robust, rail-centric network should remain the backbone into which other transportation modes, like autonomous shuttles, ride-sharing and scooters, can feed.

By Marc Buncher • Feb. 3, 2020

Waymo, UPS partner on self-driving parcel pickup

Waymo's autonomous vans will pick up parcels from UPS stores in the Phoenix metro area and deliver them to nearby UPS sorting facilities.

By Morgan Forde • Feb. 3, 2020

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

The 2028 Olympics has sparked a transportation revamp in LA

When hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on Los Angeles for the Games, the city hopes they will be met with swift, accommodating and clean transportation.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 3, 2020

A breakdown of Chicago's scooter pilot, by the numbers

An analysis found racial and economic disparities in use, 192 probable emergency room visits and 116 tons of CO2 potentially reduced. 

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 31, 2020

Uber wants Boston customers to ride more transit

Boston is the first U.S. city to get an app update that automatically displays transit options "from the get-go," enhancing Uber's role as a one-stop transportation shop.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 31, 2020

Cities can achieve Vision Zero goals through basic design: study

New research suggest cities, especially those that are developing, must be set up "right in the first place" to avoid transportation-related injuries.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 30, 2020

House Dems put climate at center of $760B infrastructure plan

The Moving Forward Framework would invest heavily in roads, transit and water systems, with efforts to cut emissions woven throughout.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 30, 2020

LA Metro pushes plan to get residents back on the bus

Following a nearly 25% drop in riders since 2014, Metro is overhauling its bus system by increasing arrival frequency and considering specific travel needs of women with children.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 29, 2020

LA commits to 100% electric sanitation fleet by 2035. Other cities aren't ready to follow

LASAN Director Enrique Zaldivar pledged to procure only electric vehicles in two years and gradually convert the fleet. While the market evolves, adoption is far from widespread.

By E.A. Crunden • Jan. 29, 2020

Bird strengthens European foothold with Circ acquisition

The acquisition points to growing consolidation across the micromobility industry as scooter companies seek profits and sustainability.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 29, 2020

Carmel, IN’s secret to reducing traffic fatalities? Roundabouts

The city's more than 120 roundabouts have helped bring Carmel's traffic fatality rate to about six times below the national average.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 28, 2020

New York Gov. Cuomo gives e-bikes, scooters a second chance

The governor proposed a new bill that reinforces safety measures left out of failed legislation last month, such as helmet requirements.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 27, 2020

Uber begins AV data collection in DC

Testing in the nation’s capital will help the company refine its software and give policymakers a front-row seat to the operations, Uber said.

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 27, 2020

Automakers: New tech, battery advances will curb EV range anxiety

Automakers including Ford, VW and Chevrolet gathered at the Washington Auto Show on Thursday to display new EV offerings and discuss consumer outreach strategies. 

By Chris Teale • Jan. 24, 2020

E-commerce deliveries will overrun cities in 1 to 3 years

The World Economic Forum argues the best path forward is to build portfolios of solutions that improve congestion, emissions and unit cost of deliveries. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 24, 2020

Bird exec: The scooter 'is really just the beginning' of sustainable mobility

Sustainability head Melinda Hanson believes 2020 could be a big year for dockless scooter companies to cut emissions while encouraging safer streets.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 23, 2020

Why did Nashville, TN’s major transit referendum actually fail?

Nashville voters shocked local leaders when they rejected a 2018 transit overhaul plan. A new report digs into why that happened and what can be learned from the turn of events. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 23, 2020

Amazon, Lime part of new alliance to accelerate EVs

The Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance will demand production of new EV models and infrastructure, especially in the delivery and shipping sectors. 

By Jason Plautz • Jan. 23, 2020

Skip voluntarily shares scooters' true carbon impact

In a step toward greater sustainability, the company will release quarterly information on its S3 scooters' spare part use, maintenance, recycling and disposal.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 22, 2020

6 takeaways from the 2019 Menino Survey of Mayors

The annual survey of 119 U.S. mayors highlighted a need for improved water infrastructure, increased cyclist safety and dedicated opportunity zone investments.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 22, 2020

San Jose, CA tries for an innovation zone — again

Amazon Web Services, Siemens and Verizon are reported to be early collaborators on the project, which should help the initiative maintain traction. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 21, 2020

Spin selects 6 nonprofits for mobility data fellowship

The advocacy groups will have access to a street data toolkit for one year, and UC-Davis will evaluate the findings for deeper insights. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 16, 2020

StreetLight Data ranks 100 metros in first climate impact index

The metro areas were ranked as the most low-impact based on vehicle miles traveled, bike and pedestrian commuting, and population density, among other metrics.

By Kristin Musulin • Jan. 16, 2020

FAA official: Flying cars are ‘more than just hype’

At least six electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are "well along" in earning certification, according to FAA executive Jay Merkle.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 15, 2020

Sacramento, CA expands microtransit service with $12M grant

Via and the Sacramento Regional Transit District partnered to add SmaRT Ride to nine zones, creating what it calls the largest on-demand microtransit system in the U.S.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 14, 2020