Transportation

Uber’s new shuttles look suspiciously familiar to anyone who’s taken a bus

Beyond the jokes about Uber inventing bus lines are serious questions about what its shuttle service will mean for struggling transit systems, air quality, and congestion.

Utah Department of Transportation’s ‘scrappy’ social media team wins national award

The agency tries to inform Utahns of things like road closures, construction, maintenance and other transportation projects in fun, relatable ways, one official says.

REAL ID enforcement deadline looms for states

In just two days, domestic travelers must use the new ID after years of implementation delays. To prepare, some states have opened DMV offices longer, while others have asked for loosened rules or another extension.

States turn to tech in push for safer roads

California wants to use artificial intelligence to work out where its road deaths are and how to prevent them. And New York has turned to the tech to try and prevent over-height vehicles hitting bridges.

Virginia agency bets on AI to cut costs and keep state roads smooth

With road maintenance expenses up 68%, the Virginia Department of Transportation is turning to pilot programs to streamline decision-making.

AI could aid public transit track inspections

A prototype between New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Google Public Sector spotted 92% of track defects that had been identified by human inspectors. Experts said there is more to come in this area.

Rural Pennsylvania increases resident satisfaction with public transit modernization

One Pennsylvania transit agency hopes to be a guiding light for rural communities looking to embark on modernization journeys.

Air taxis? A spaceport? Utah is making moves — and spending millions — for a futuristic vision

Utah leaders are making moves and investing millions of dollars to bring futuristic technology to Utah, including air taxis and spaceports.

Tech startup gets on fast track to install sidewalk EV charging towers after hiring Eric Adams’ power broker

Gravity Technologies is preparing to plant “trees” to juice up city agency vehicles, with help from the lobbying firm founded by the mayor’s former chief of staff, Frank Carone.

AI could help stop train wrecks

Researchers have found a way to use artificial intelligence and guided ultrasonic waves for detecting faults inside switch rails.

Cross-state partnership looks to boost drone use and research

The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced this week it would partner with North Dakota to build its own testing site and figure out potential uses for the technology.

We know widening highways leads to more traffic. Why do we do it anyway?

More lanes, more pain—a researcher unravels the persistent myth of easier commutes.

Biden administration doles out $4.2 billion for big-ticket infrastructure projects

A new Boston rail bridge, a California high-speed rail station, electric dock equipment in Miami and a safer highway interchange in Iowa are among the 44 projects selected for funding.

Virginia goes all in on passenger rail

A new rail bridge into Washington, D.C., is viewed as crucial to expanding rail service in the state, which has seen record-setting ridership in recent years.

The numbers are in: Trump boosted roads. Biden backs biking and walkers.

A new report by the Urban Institute shows how who sits in the White House affects what locals build with federal funds. That means changes are likely in store again after the November election.

For rural transit agencies, a rocky road to zero emissions

Rural public transit agencies are up against limited choices and resources as they work to decarbonize their fleets.

This city is turning subway trains into power stations

Barcelona is using the regenerative braking of its subways to power trains, stations and neighborhood EV chargers. Could New York do it too?

Six airports want to charge ahead preparing for electric aircraft

All-electric passenger planes are still experimental. But regional airport managers are eager to install charging infrastructure to accommodate them.

Move over! Two map apps to notify drivers when state police are stopped ahead

The Illinois State Police is using Waze and Google Maps to alert drivers in real time about roadside personnel in an effort to cut down on injuries.