Move over cargo vans and cargo robots, make way for e-cargo bikes for deliveries. Boston, Massachusetts is incentivizing the e-cargo delivery system to bring down traffic congestion and improve air quality. It is all part of the Boston Delivers program.
first 24/7 self driving taxis
San Francisco has approved self driving taxis for 24/7 service. Waymo and Cruise can now charge fares. It is being hailed as a pivotal moment for the autonomous transportation industry.
Washington Post | California just opened the floodgates for self-driving cars
compelling reasons for drivers licenses for the undocumented
Arguments that changed minds of Wisconsin lawmakers to support offering drivers licenses for undocumented migrants are: migrant labor is crucial to the economy, especially the dairy industry; drivers licenses will equate to safer driving; and tickets for driving without a license are disproportionately given to people with Hispanic surnames according to a document review by ProPublica.
high speed rail partnership
High speed rail is alive in Texas via a partnership with Amtrak? Supporters say the partnership will ”accelerate the planning and analysis necessary for the successful implementation.”
metro turnstiles generating energy
Paris is generating energy when metro passengers go through turnstiles. Good for metro to generate a green form of energy.
North America’s first hydrogen powered train
Canada welcomes the first hydrogen powered train. This is a first for North America. Germany has had an operational hydrogen powered train since 2018.
hydrogen fueling stations
Georgia Department of Transportation is seeking information about establishing hydrogen fueling stations. The hydrogen stations will power commercial vehicles, tractor-trailers and other large trucks. This ties into Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell big rigs and the Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Shot Initiative.
Governing | Will Georgia’s Future Include a Hydrogen Highway?
the fastest speed limit in the US? Texas.
Where is the fastest speed limit in the U.S.? Texas 130 between Texas 45 near Austin and Interstate 10 in Seguin is a 41 mile stretch with the U.S.’s fastest posted speed limit of 85mph.
gig economy driver constitutional amendment
Efforts in Massachusetts look to bring another constitutional proposition vote on whether gig drivers are employees or independent contractors. Some gig driver groups support state legislation that would allow them to unionize. The last attempt at a constitutional amendment in Massachusetts was stopped by the state Supreme Court.
create cooler cities with parking lots
Local governments are looking for ways to cool their cities. Whether it’s a Chief Heat Officer like Phoenix, LA and Miami or adding “solar roofs” to the top of open air parking to both create shade for cars, and also generate electricity.
Governing | We Need Cooler Cities. Here’s How to Build Them.