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

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

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

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

Two years out, transportation leaders reflect on pandemic changes

Faced with a drastic loss of riders and revenues in early 2020, transit executives refocused their planning around equity, economics and community engagement, they said in a recent webinar.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 15, 2022

Uber, Lyft talk city trends, micromobility, future of AVs on 2021 earnings calls

As riders and drivers return following pandemic lows, the ride-sharing providers said on separate earnings calls that they see growth ahead, though they're charting different paths on delivery service and autonomous vehicles.  

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 11, 2022

States must develop EV infrastructure plans to access $5B in federal funding: DOE, DOT

Federal officials on Thursday unveiled the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program that will make $615 million available to states in fiscal year 2022. 

By Robert Walton • Feb. 10, 2022

2022 could be a big year for new transit openings if delays abate

Transit agencies expect to finish 22 new bus and rail projects this year, but struggles with labor and materials shortages could delay them.

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 9, 2022

Sidewalk detection and safety monitoring are creating 'watershed moment' for micromobility

As transportation robotics company Superpedestrian comes off a $125 million funding round, Development and Public Affairs Director Paul White says cities are "setting the bar" for safety as scooters and other small vehicles proliferate.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 8, 2022

Electric truck deployments could jump tenfold as interest surges, study says

Zero-emission truck deployments are heavily concentrated in California, New York and Texas. 

By Jim Stinson • Feb. 8, 2022

Concerns about safe deployment of autonomous vehicles aired at Congressional hearing

While autonomous vehicles offer the promise of improved safety, they bring questions of costs, absence of federal safety standards, and far-ranging impacts for cities and the workforce. 

By Dan Zukowski • Feb. 4, 2022

Smart Cities Dive 2022 Outlook

In the year ahead, city leaders will continue preparing for the electrification of cars, buses and buildings, while also tackling the complex challenges of crime, growing inequities, labor shortages and extreme weather.

Feb. 2, 2022

Open Mobility Foundation approves its Curb Data Specification tool

The group’s board of directors this week approved the initiative designed to improve the use and safety of city curbs, “one of the most high-demand public assets,” LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds said in a statement.  

By Jason Plautz • Updated May 6, 2022