Experts and people involved in the Columbus, Ohio project say it provides a chance for the city and others to learn more about what works and what doesn't with emerging transportation technology.
A county commissioner, a city councilman and a U.S. congresswoman attended a protest in Columbus to support demonstrators and encourage peaceful tactics. Then police showed up.
Meanwhile, Ohio’s capital is forging ahead with plans for millions of dollars in high-tech transportation upgrades. U.S. DOT officials will visit the city this week.
“They were able to connect the problems they identified to specific technology solutions that are measurable,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
With additional local investment, $140 million is now committed to the winning plan submitted by Ohio’s capital, but the other finalist cities will be seeing more federal and private assistance to pursue their visions, too.
Anthony Foxx touts an overwhelming response to the federal competition, which will showcase the “outstanding potential to transform the future of urban transportation.”