US DOT revises AV rules to no longer require human driver

The tweaked national guidance opens the door for automakers to test designs that do not need a person in control.

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 5, 2018

Dockless Digest: Bird unveils delivery service, 'ruggedized' new fleet

Bird Zero promises a longer battery, wider and longer chassis and an integrated digital display with a speedometer and an improved GPS tracker.

By Chris Teale • Oct. 5, 2018

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

Targeting 1T annual trips worldwide, dockless companies see room to grow

Representatives of three dockless operators said on a conference call that U.S. cities still have not seen the full extent of the scooter- and bike-share invasion.

By Chris Teale • Oct. 5, 2018

Duke to install 530 EV chargers in Florida, study grid integration

Duke will focus EV charging infrastructure efforts on public spaces, making 10% of the installations in lower-income communities.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 5, 2018

New ride-share pilot program to launch in Los Angeles

The public-private microtransit program, dubbed FlexLA, will complement the city's existing transit system rather than compete with it.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 4, 2018

2018 Readiness Challenge winners reflect on their smart city journeys

Representatives from Cary, NC; Las Vegas; Birmingham, AL; Louisville, KY; Virginia and Puerto Rico all took the stage at Smart Cities Week to share how they have benefited from the program thus far. 

By Kristin Musulin • Oct. 4, 2018

Uber unveils first scooter fleet in Santa Monica, CA

This launch, which follows the company's recent commitment to more sustainable mobility options, further levels the playing field between Uber and its top rival, Lyft.

By Kristin Musulin • Oct. 4, 2018

Ford calls for shared language of self-driving cars

The automaker called for a universal signaling system for autonomous vehicles to communicate their intent to pedestrians, bikers and other drivers.

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 4, 2018

Startup founded by Apple vets debuts advanced LiDAR for AVs

Aeva co-founder Mina Rezk wrote in a blog post that the technology will "play a big part in enabling autonomous vehicles to go mainstream."

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 3, 2018

Minneapolis releases final draft of 2040 comprehensive plan

The plan heavily addresses equity and the environment, but a drastic increase in housing density was a contentious topic.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 3, 2018

Why IoT is the key to autonomous transportation on a massive urban scale

Internet-connected sensors in phones, in vehicles, on roads and in buildings will transform how travelers interact with vehicles and how they move and live in the world's urban centers.

By Michael Cottle • Oct. 2, 2018

Google Maps adds real-time commute information

The update will allow users to plan more efficient and less stressful journeys, the company said, including details about potential delays and alternate routes.

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 2, 2018

Grand Rapids, MI to test autonomous shuttle fleet

May Mobility will deploy a fleet of its six-seat autonomous shuttles on one of the city's existing bus routes through its downtown core.

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 2, 2018

San Diego holds 'Free Ride Day' to promote transit

Fixed-route bus, rail, light rail and trolley trips are free for everyone today, while Uber and Lyft are joining in with discounted rides to and from stations.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 2, 2018

NTSB: Improved car design, infrastructure, data use could prevent pedestrian deaths

The National Transportation Safety Board offered a number of suggestions for improving pedestrian safety following a year-long investigation.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 1, 2018

US Census Bureau: Americans' commute times increased; transit ridership dropped

Data from 2017 shows more commuters are driving, and a shift in where people work is affecting commutes.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 1, 2018

Autonomous shuttle challenge launches in Phoenix and Sacramento, CA

Interested groups in the two metro regions can pitch test cases for receiving a fleet of Olli electric shuttles, with the winners getting a three-month test period.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 28, 2018

Dockless Digest: Safety advocates protest after scooter rider killed in DC

Carlos Sanchez-Martin, 20, was riding a Lime scooter when he was reportedly hit and dragged about 20 yards by an SUV and pinned underneath it.

By Chris Teale • Sept. 28, 2018

Uber announces $10M commitment to urban sustainability

In a blog post, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi detailed the company's growing commitments to climate efforts, congestion reduction, shared data and multimodal transportation.

By Kristin Musulin • Sept. 27, 2018

Lyft expands 'Ditch Your Car' promotion nationwide

The company will offer credit to its Lyft Shared service, Zipcar, public transit and bike-share in more than 35 cities to subscribers who go carless for a month.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 27, 2018

New Siemens tool helps cities calculate electric transport infrastructure needs

The eMobility calculator can tell leaders how many chargers will be needed and forecast the impact of electrification on parking and land use.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 26, 2018

Seattle mayor signs order eliminating 10% of city’s vehicle fleet

The reduction, slated to be reached by the end of 2020, is intended to boost city efficiencies while reducing carbon emissions.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 26, 2018

Report recommends UK government cap ride-hailing licenses

The recommendations are similar to what passed recently in New York City, and also include a call to install CCTV in all cars for safety.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 26, 2018

Renault, Mercedes debut autonomous cargo van concepts

Automakers are designing vehicles for densely-populated, congested cities, tackling the challenge of the last mile. 

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Sept. 26, 2018

EVgo’s new modular design could speed charging station deployment

The sites could be installed in a matter of days or weeks, even on a short-term basis, according to the company.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 26, 2018