Transit passengers expect contactless payments to ride safely, survey finds

Contactless payments continue to be a way to allow passengers to travel more safely and with ease, providing peace of mind during a challenging time.

Aug. 30, 2021

US rail projects take longer, cost more than those in other countries

High labor costs, change orders and other factors add millions of dollars to budgets and slow down timelines on U.S. projects, according to a new report.

By Sebastian Obando • Aug. 26, 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

Electrifying 97% of the federal fleet by 2030 could save billions: report

More than $1 billion in savings would come over the lifetime of light-duty vehicles and buses in the federal government fleet by switching to EVs, a new Atlas Public Policy report finds.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 18, 2021

3D-printed concrete to help build $147B UK high-speed rail system

The new technology that prints structures on-site will reduce the amount of concrete used, thereby nearly cutting carbon emissions in half.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 17, 2021

Cities to test commercial EV fleets, smart traffic, curbside management using federal funds

Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and Santa Monica, California, are among the cities set to explore commercial electric trucks, smart loading zones in high-traffic areas, and other innovations with Energy Department funding.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 17, 2021

Curbing climate change requires an end to driving in cities

New U.N. climate report underscores the need to invest in infrastructure that encourages active mobility, get people back on public transit, and have cities reclaim roadways, writes Lime CEO Wayne Ting.

By Wayne Ting • Aug. 13, 2021

Hope renewed for Chicago-St. Louis high-speed rail

A new Illinois commission could accelerate development of high-speed rail in the state, as U.S. passenger rail is poised to receive a $66 billion injection from the bipartisan infrastructure deal.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 12, 2021

NYC Meatpacking District to adopt open streets permanently

As U.S. cities have struggled to maintain the open streets programs they implemented during the pandemic, the Manhattan neighborhood has embraced the concept with plans to close six blocks to vehicle traffic.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 11, 2021

'An enormous lift': Biden's goal of 50% EV sales by 2030 will test supply chains, utilities, experts say

Biden's lofty goal will run in tandem to investments in EV infrastructure. But other supports, like to manufacturing supply chains, are needed as well.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 11, 2021

E-scooter company Skip files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy

The Helbiz-owned micromobility company filed the petition last week in California, marking the first bankruptcy filing by a well-known scooter company with a footprint in multiple cities.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 10, 2021

The pandemic changed car ownership. How can cities adapt?

Car buyers are thinking about protection from the coronavirus rather than convenience or traffic. That could be bad news for cities looking to get cars off the road for good. 

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 9, 2021

120 EV charging stations to be installed at California apartment complexes through state partnership

Backed by state funding, the initiative with platform EVmatch could entice lower-income renters to purchase an electric vehicle.

By Danielle McLean • Aug. 6, 2021

Massachusetts Supreme Court blocks Uber, Lyft-backed gig worker ballot measure

The effort, backed by major gig economy leaders, would have classified workers as independent contractors rather than employees.

By Chris Teale • Updated June 21, 2022

It's 'unsexy' but effective when micromobility companies partner with cities, one CEO says

Drop Mobility CEO Qiming Weng discusses the company's approach to creating a sustainable transportation fleet for cities.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 5, 2021

Kansas City streetlight-mounted EV charger pilot aims for equity, accessibility

Most EV charging happens at home overnight, but not for the many people without garages. The Missouri city's federally funded charging project meets residents where they are and is helping to guide others through uncharted territory.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 4, 2021

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

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

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