Bird pilot aims to give NYC wheelchair users reliable and fast transport options

Under New York’s e-scooter pilot program, Bird is providing a first-of-its-kind motorized attachment free to individuals who use wheelchairs.

By Austyn Gaffney • April 13, 2022

California regulators to update vehicle emission requirements as state seeks to spur EV transition

The California Air Resources Board will update regulations for vehicles emissions and zero-emission vehicle requirements, as advocates want automakers mandated to make electric vehicles available to frontline communities. 

By Dan Zukowski • April 13, 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

Transit data providers join forces as Optibus acquires Trillium

The move will provide transit agency clients with access to transit planning data and real-time operational information, the companies say, to help them address the pandemic's impact on labor and ridership.

By Dan Zukowski • April 12, 2022

City leaders share ideas on how to maximize federal dollars

At the Smart Cities Connect conference last week, local leaders called for a rethink of how cities seek to allocate federal dollars, including through community engagement, data-led decisions and regional collaborations. 

By Cailin Crowe • April 12, 2022

Lime, Spin, Superpedestrian win Chicago scooter permits

The city also announced Thursday that its Lyft-operated bike-share program will integrate 1,000 electric scooters into its downtown docking stations, which it says will create "the first docked bike and scooter system in the nation."

By Maria Rachal • April 8, 2022

Soaring pedestrian deaths in 2021 attributed, in part, to less traffic enforcement

Law enforcement officials say pandemic-related medical issues, budget cuts, difficulties hiring new recruits and retirements have cut into their ability to enforce traffic laws. 

By Dan Zukowski • April 7, 2022

Transportation Department outlines $20B for transit available this year through infrastructure law

Funding is slated to benefit transit projects in all 50 states and nearly 200 communities and go to some 30 programs supporting everything from pavement repair to enhancing mobility options for older adults.

By Dan Zukowski • April 7, 2022

Universal basic mobility program in Oakland, California, provided lessons in achieving equity, leveraging community partnerships

The pilot met its goal of increasing transit use and gave the city insight on the administrative structures needed to distribute benefits via prepaid cards, an Oakland transportation planner said.

By Austyn Gaffney • April 6, 2022

What big cities can learn from the rural US about public transit

Grappling with bare-bones transportation networks, rural communities are implementing new transit innovations, a trend that federal infrastructure dollars could accelerate. 

By Scott James Matheson and Sam Couvillon • April 6, 2022

Latest UN climate change report shines new light on well-documented urban mitigation strategies

Cities must push harder to decarbonize buildings and transform transportation norms, the report suggests, as the next three years are critical if the world is to change the course of global warming.

By Maria Rachal • April 5, 2022

To ease fuel-price pain, subsidies, gas tax holidays, rebates gain momentum across the US

Chicago and California propose giving prepaid gas cards to eligible residents and assistance to public transit users. State and federal efforts to suspend gas taxes face criticism for potential economic and environmental impacts.

By Dan Zukowski • April 5, 2022

Gatik signals start of 'hyper-growth' phase with EV partnership

The autonomous middle-mile delivery operator is set to team up with ChargePoint to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across its North American locations.

By Kate Magill • April 1, 2022

Short Trips: How Amtrak, transit electrification and EV charging fare in 2023 Biden budget proposal

In this week's city transportation headlines: The White House requests more funds for Amtrak and electrification, the New York MTA redesigns bus routes, and urban air mobility advances with VTOLs and a new coalition among cities.

By Dan Zukowski • April 1, 2022

Transit-oriented development catches on as cities need to boost ridership and housing supply

Cities are opting to build mixed-use developments near public transportation, but experts in Seattle, Atlanta and elsewhere say getting it right is a big challenge.

By Adina Solomon • April 1, 2022

7 in 10 drivers use a mobile device behind the wheel: survey

The findings come as distracted driving incidents have killed a greater share of pedestrians and cyclists in the last decade.

By Dan Zukowski • March 31, 2022

IDC names 17 winners for its 2022 North America Smart City Awards

From Schenectady, New York, to Santa Ana, California, the group recognized smart city accomplishments across 14 categories for its fifth annual awards.

By Cailin Crowe • March 30, 2022

Jacobs, StreetLight Data bank on big data as transit agencies confront infrastructure challenges

Inflation, climate change adaptations and other factors add complexity to urban infrastructure projects. As Jacobs' acquisition of the data analytics provider indicates, they see big data as key to these projects' success.

By Dan Zukowski • March 30, 2022

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

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