Transportation

What is happening? Cruise robotaxi service will launch in Austin and Phoenix before the end of 2022.

Why is this important? Cruise has been operating in San Francisco in certain areas of the city between 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., allowing for quicker expansion into new cities more quickly.

How will this be important? 2023 will see thousands of new autonomous vehicles launching.

Tech Crunch | Cruise to launch robotaxi services in Austin, Phoenix before end of 2022

What is happening? State transportation officials are hesitant about rural EV Chargers.

Why is this important? Many stretches of rural highways have no gas stations, homes, or electricity for hundreds of miles. States are asking for alternatives like chargers at national parks, state parks, and longer distances between chargers in rural areas.

How will this be important? Rural EV chargers are a key part of the puzzle to quell range anxiety.

Route Fifty | The Growing Debate Over Where to Put EV Chargers in Rural America

What is happening? The Pennsylvania Turnpike is opting for solar energy to power its maintenance and office buildings, but the big goal is to use solar-generated power to electrify portions of the toll road so electric vehicles can charge as they travel.

Why is this important? Charging without stopping is an EV owner’s dream.

How will this be important? There will no need for property acquisition as solar panels will be installed on land already owned by the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Governing | The Pennsylvania Turnpike Goes Solar for Future EV Charging

What is happening? California has adopted a policy that all cars should be electric or hydrogen powered by 2035. California’s emission standards have been adopted by 17 states.

Why is this important? What do the 17 states do now? Do they follow California?

How will this be important? California has long be the defect standard, effectively taking the responsibility of emission standards off the plates of federal regulators because of the large consumer market for vehicles.

AP | 17 states weigh adopting California’s electric car mandate

What is happening? 38 state attorneys general, from R and D states but not from TX states, signed a letter asking for state regulatory authority over airline travel complaints.

Why is this important? A shallow labor market and many new, untrained hires, has made flying the friendly skies an oasis of lost bags and scheduling Tetris.

How will this be important? This would welcome in an era of the influence of state lawmakers in airline policy.

NAAG | Attorneys General Urge Congress to Hold Airline Industry Accountable

What is happening? Orange County, FL has high EV sales numbers and is currently home to the largest inventory of public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure of any county in Florida. It’s also a hurricane area which means there is a focus on EV chargers on evacuation routes.

Why is this important? When it comes to building EV Chargers, Orange County “exceeds the LEED Credit requirement of 1.07 with a current total of 3.44 EV Charging stations per 10,000 residents.”

How will this be important? There’s a bg focus on ensuring that tourists to Disney World have access to EV chargers.

Route Fifty | One County’s Big Plans to Electrify Its Fleet, Build Out Local Charging Network

What is happening? Ernst and Young formulates an Electric Vehicle Country Readiness Index that ranks country EV readiness. Top of the pack: Sweden, Norway, China.

Why is this important? The Index looks to things like  strong energy ecosystem , consumer readiness, strong manufacturing presence, and that there is a strong correlation between overall success and the strength of regulation.

How will this be important? The US is ranked 7th largely due to poor demand.

EY | China, Norway and Sweden lead the pack on electric vehicle readiness – EY study

What is happening? The Commercial Space Transportation Safety Act of 2022 would put NTSB in charge of space transportation oversight for commercial space travel.

Why is this important? Space travel litigation is that in federal court or your state’s court? Is your state home to a commercial space travel company?

How will this be important? If the number of space oriented films and television shows there are, this topic isn’t disappearing anytime soon and regulation and oversight is thin to non-existent.

Transportation Today | Legislation clarifies NTSB’s authority to investigate certain space accidents

What is happening? Sweden is considering super-speed ferries to move people around. These super fast ferries will be electric vehicles and will cut emissions by 70%

Why is this important? Stockholm, the capital, is an archipelago, people who live around Stockholm rely on a system of bridges that get them into the city. How do you beat bridge congestion? boats.

How will this be important? Stockholm also has a toll charge to enter the city to encourage mass transit as a means to enter the city. It is a city unafraid of new methods of managing traffic congestion.

Politico EU | Sweden to test super-fast ferries to beat traffic congestion

What is happening? Polestar will be supplying batteries for Candela’s flying electric boats. I’d like to joke about electric flying boats but both these companies are Swedish so I’m like that rainbow spinning wheel on the computer that means- reboot your system….

Why is this important? The flying boat angle is key here. Sure it’s all electric, but flying boats. The boat uses hydrofoils to lift he hull out of the water.

How will this be important? The hydrofoils that make the boat fly also reduce the boat’s energy usage.

CNBC | EV maker Polestar to provide batteries for ‘flying’ electric boats

What is happening? New EV credits that were established in the $430 billion climate, health and tax measure (The Inflation Reduction Act) require that the vehicle be manufactured in the U.S. to receive credits.

Why is this important? This is the first time EV credits will be tied to where the vehicle is manufactured and removes the limitations previously placed on GM and Tesla.

How will this be important? An opportunity to shift manufacturing to the U.S.

Car Scoops | These 34 Electric Cars Won’t Qualify For Biden’s New EV Tax Credits

What is happening? Scooters…are they causing more collisions? Are they reeking havoc on local traffic and pedestrians?

Why is this important? Austin, Detroit and other cities are looking for the data to determine how to proceed. The issue in Austin is that collisions are self reported. Oops.

How will this be important? The world revolves around data, some how and some way this data will be revealed.

Austin Monitor | Data tracking electric scooter collisions still incomplete

Axios | FOIA Friday: How dangerous are e-scooters?

What is happening? The 1st quarter of 2022 saw the highest number of traffic fatalities in 20 years, and it was an increase of 7% from 2021. The increase hit Mid Atlantic States most where they saw a 52% increase and New England which saw a 32% increase in fatalities.

Why is this important? National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says risky behaviors “skyrocketed” in March 2020 and have not relented.

How will this be important? When and how will policymakers react and will that cause new requirements for auto manufacturers.

Route Fifty | US Road Fatalities Soared in Early 2022

What is happening? NYC is considering limiting fleet speeds to posted speed limits because if it is one thing New Yorkers are known for it is their impeccably polite driving skills.

Why is this important? The policy will exempt emergency vehicles and the mayor’s car.

How will this be important? Surveys by the European Transport Safety Council say 64% of the drivers like the speed limiting software.

Route Fifty | Technology to Limit Speeds on New York City Fleet Vehicles

What is happening? IKEA is partnering with ElectrifyAmerica by installing EV chargers at more than 25 of its stores, and total 200 individual chargers to shops in 18 states, including California, Florida, New York, Texas and Washington.

Why is this important? The chargers at IKEA will be both 150kW and 350kW, and will serve both customers as well as IKEA’s fleet.

How will this be important? IKEA has long touted its environmentally friendly policies from forestry to plastics for decades.

Engadget | IKEA will install Electrify America’s fast EV chargers at over 25 US stores

What is happening? We’ve talked about flying taxi companies. Pilot tests in Florida for flying taxis. Now, let’s talk about United Airlines snapping up flying taxis. It’s happening, people…it is really happening.

Why is this important? United Airlines paid a $10 million deposit for 100 electric flying taxis. They have an agreement with Archer Aviation to buy up to 200 flying taxis.

How will this be important? Some say airlines see flying taxis as a means to reduce their carbon foot print. Just think if Kylie Kardashian took a flying taxi instead of her private jet in lieu of the 30 minute drive she wanted to avoid. Would the headlines have changed? Who knows the media has a perpetual fascination with the Kardashians.

Wall Street Journal | United Airlines Puts Down Deposit on Flying Taxis

What is happening? County Commissioners in Lee County, FL have to cover the cost of unpaid, out of state tolls. It accounts for 10% of the tolls on the county’s 3 tolled bridges.

Why is this important? The state has no enforcement mechanism to collect unpaid tolls from out of state drivers

How will this be important? Because of the unpaid tolls, the county has to pay to either collect or cover the revenue that is lost.

Fox4 SW FL | County approves $300k to collect unpaid out-of-state toll fees

What is happening? Illinois is joining the partnership between Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin to create a series of EV charging stations. The goal is to create a scenic Lake Michigan tourism route.

Why is this important? “The Lake Michigan EV Circuit Tour will incorporate existing charging infrastructure with strategically located new chargers at key coastal communities, lighthouses, state parks, breweries and other popular tourist attractions along the shoreline route” Plus, the 4 states are behind the curve on EV adoption.

How will this be important? Move over Route 66, meet Electric Route 66.

Chicago Tribune via Governing | Illinois Joins in Creation of Multistate EV Charging Network

What is happening? We talked about the roadways near Arlanda airport in Sweden that allow EVs to charge while driving on the roadway, and now similar roads are coming to Detroit.

Why is this important?  Detroit will welcome a one-mile stretch of roadway in the area known as Michigan Central, a transportation innovation hub in downtown Detroit.

How will this be important? “MDOT and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification hope it becomes a nationwide model for how we can continue accelerating electric vehicle adoption and usher in a new generation of transportation technologies.”-Michael Frezell, communications manager for the Office of Communications at the Michigan Department of Transportation 

Government Technology | Wireless, In-Road Vehicle Charging Coming to Detroit

What is happening? 17 states, D.C., & Quebec have produced a bold Action Plan for accelerating a transition to zero-emission trucks and buses.

Why is this important? They have recommendations for identifying barriers and opportunities for rapid and equitable truck and bus electrification and actionable policy and program recommendations for state policymakers, utilities, and utility regulators

How will this be important? The states involved are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, the District of Columbia, and Quebec.

NESCAUM | Multi State Medium-and-heavy Zero Emission Vehicle Action Plan

What is happening? Fare capping is generally structured around a maximum fare a rider pays over the course of a day or month. Once the cap is met, the remaining rides are free for the given time period.

Why is this important? Fare capping make transit more affordable and equitable.

How will this be important? The key to fare capping is software which is now available to track fares and implement the cap.  Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, New York and California are exploring fare capping.

Governing | One Way to Make Transit More Equitable: Fare Capping

What is happening? Researchers have identified the most common cyber threats to transportation systems. The cyber threats include unsupported (not updated) third party software, inadequate enterprise risk management strategies, and the need for 3rd party vendors to conduct security audits.

Why is this important? The industry needs a 21st Century upgrade, with many working on antiquated systems.

How will this be important? Transportation officials will begin considering cyber threats foundational in the procurement process.

Route Fifty | Transit Agencies Vulnerable to Cyber Threats, Researchers Warn

What is happening? The Port of Corpus Christi is setting new records including:

• In Q2 2022, the port moved a record 46.4 million tons
• Up 4.8% from Q1 of 2022
• First 6 months of 2022,  the port moved 90.1 million tons of commodities through its waterway, up 11.9% from 1H 2021
• Crude oil shipments for 1H 2022 totaled 52.4 million tons,

Why is this important? The Port attributes the increase to developing the requisite maritime infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for American energy commodities

How will this be important? Charles W. Zahn Jr., Port of Corpus Christi Commission Chairman, said “With additional initiatives in hydrogen production and Carbon Capture Utilization and Sequestration also in the development stages, the future continues to look bright for the South Texas Coastal Bend and beyond.”

Maritime Logistics Professional | Port of Corpus Christi Sets New Tonnage Records

What is happening? Houston Port is breaking all sorts of records. Let’s look:

• 5th month this year with double-digit growth over 2021
• Year to Date,  2 million TEU, specifically 1,897,065 TEU
• Year to Date an 18% increase compared to 2021
• 106 % more container TEU than last June
• 25 % more year-to-date moved through the general cargo terminals

Why is this important? Port of Houston has implemented Saturday gate hours

How will this be important? “We don’t expect this surge in containers to slow down anytime soon, and we are actively pursuing multiple initiatives to maintain a fluid, high-velocity environment during this time of incredible demand for containerized cargo,” said Guenther.

Port Technology | Port Houston continues record-breaking container volume run

What is happening? Michigan is exploring using drones for commercial delivery beyond visual line of sight or what operators can see by creating a drone delivery corridor with FAA approval.

Why is this important? Data. Airspace Link, a provider of data, software and managed services associated with drone flight, will analyze air traffic and ground infrastructure to enable drone flights in shared air mobility corridors.

How will this be important? Ultimately these corridors will allow drones to travel, for delivery 20, 30 or 40 miles.

Route Fifty | State Explores Commercial Drone Deliveries via Shared Airways

What is happening? Alta says it has better hailing capabilities, works by owning the vehicles and employing drivers.

Why is this important? By owning the assets, Alto is able to keep vehicles on the road almost continuously, which increases the profit margin per vehicle.

How will this be important? News clips are filled with the political strategies employed by Uber that were revealed as a result of an EU investigation. It’s basically a roadmap.

Wall Street Journal | Meet the Startup Aiming to Take On Uber and Lyft

What is happening? Automakers must add sounds to hybrid and electric vehicles to prevent injuries among pedestrians, cyclists and the blind when EVs travel below 18.6mph.

Why is this important? Regulators in 2019 indicated that automakers could select their own sounds. That plan has been scrapped.

How will this be important? It is estimated that the sound protection can save $250 million to $320 million annually in reduced injuries.

Reuters | U.S. auto agency will not allow EV owners to pick alert sounds

What is happening? Pennsylvania legislature was considering adding tolls to 9 bridges to fund replacement of those bridges.

How is this important? The state’s Public-Private Transportation Partnership Board had authorized PennDOT to consider charging tolls and the Legislature has been adamantly anti-tolling. Communities sued the state saying Public-Private Transportation Partnership Board didn’t follow proper procedures. The Legislature then started work to amend the Board’s powers.

How will this be important? The community lawsuits, the Legislature opposition to the Public Transportation Partnership led to chaos that killed tolling.

Governing | Pennsylvania Bridge-Tolling Proposal Dies

What is happening? Consumers Reports on electric vehicles shows that 71% of consumers have an interest in EVs and 14% are likely to buy an EV.

Why is this important? In 2020 4% said they would buy an EV.

How will this be important? The information was gathered when gas prices were rising but before their peak.

Governing | American Interest in Buying, Leasing Electric Vehicles Grows

What is happening? Colorado is funding a switch to Electric Vehicles for all drivers- the personal driver and the fleet with a delivery and ride share tax

Why is this important? The funding is rooted in Colorado’s landmark $5.4 billion transportation legislation, 2021’s Senate Bill 260

How will this be important? Revenue for delivery tax is estimated to be $3.8 billion, and additional funding will be from state budget transfers and stimulus dollars

Governing | Colorado’s New Amazon, DoorDash, Ride-Share Tax Starts July 1

What is happening? To prepare for new vehicles on the roads like robots, and new car -bike hybrids that will use sidewalks and roads, the National Safety Council urges new roadway regulations.

Why is this important? The National Safety Council new report notes the new vehicles could make roadways safer but that states and local governments should not be blindsided by new technologies.

How will this be important? “The safety council also criticized the growing trend of states preempting local regulations of new transportation technology. “

Route Fifty | Safety Group Offers Warnings on Emerging Transportation Tech

What is happening? Los Angeles may ban the construction of new gas stations.

Why is this important? In March 2021 Petaluma, California became the 1st city int he US to ban the construction of new gas stations in support of its 2019 climate policy.

How will this be important? Other small towns in Sonoma County are following suit. Los Angeles would be the first major city to pass the gas station construction ban. Supporters say the ban does not hinder access to gas stations as the US has “one gas station for every 2,500 people — more than twice the number of gas stations per person than the European Union.”

Route Fifty | The Push to Ban New Gas Stations is Coming to Los Angeles

What is happening? Texas announced its EV charger plan which includes an EV charger every 50 miles long most interstates

Why is this important? Rural areas not as lucky, as non interstate areas will see a charger every 70 miles.

How will this be important? The plan is open to public comment.

Texas EV Infrastructure Plan

What is happening? Welcome FEDEX who is sifting from testing EV delivery trucks to adopting EV delivery trucks.

Why is this important? In Los Angeles, Fedex is using 150 BrightDrop zero-emissions delivery trucks. BrightDrop is a subsidiary of GM.  

How will this be important? “Heavy- and medium-duty trucks that do everything from hauling freight to delivering e-commerce purchases account for less than 5% of the vehicles on the road but produce over 20% of sector emissions, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).”

Reuters | FedEx shifts from EV delivery truck testing to adoption

What is happening? HB 2398 (2022 | PA) would permit testing and use of autonomous vehicles in Pennsylvania.

Why is this important? PA joins 18 other states that welcome autonomous vehicle industry.

How will this be important? The author says opening the state to autonomous vehicles will ”  help address the current and continuing supply chain issues. And I do believe it will save lives and improve safety.”

Landline | Pennsylvania House panel moves forward autonomous vehicle bill

What is happening? A Napa Valley Vineyard has an autonomous tractor to maintain its grounds. The tractors can operate when it isn’t safe for humans like during wildfires or extreme heat.

Why is this important? The self driving tractors are from Monarch, a Livermore, CA company.

How will this be important? In California, it will take a rule change to permit driverless tractors. This change is supported by the California Farm Bureau and the California Association of Winegrape Growers 

San Francisco Chronicle via Governing | Autonomous Tractors Could Soon Be Commonplace in California

What is happening? Amazon is testing a backyard drone delivery in a town north of Sacramento.

Why is this important? Who hasn’t seen the package thefts recorded by security cameras and posted on Next Door or some other neighborhood watch app.

How will this be important? The drones can deliver up to 5 lbs safely, and they say the delivery system will be scalable everywhere.

The Hill | Amazon to begin ‘Prime Air’ drone delivery in first city

What is happening? Massachusetts Supreme Court has ruled that the gig economy labor question: Are drivers employees or contracts, will not be placed on the November ballot.

Why is this important? This is similar to what happened in California. Except now this removal comes before the election. In California after the vote favored the drivers, it was halted in the courts.

How will this be important? The Court said the ballot proposition had 2 subjects and can only have one. The Curt found that a provision prohibiting certain lawsuits about whether a transportation network company was an employer was a second subject.

Newbury Port News | SJC strikes down ride-hailing driver ballot question

GBH News | As opponents of rideshare ballot question celebrate, backers look to Beacon Hill for help

What is happening? Grubhub is partnering with tech start up Cartken for robot delivery.

Why is this important? The program is focused on college campuses which are challenging to navigate by automobile.

How will this be important? Universities want students back on campus and what student isn’t going to call for food delivery???

Loyalty 360 | Grubhub Partners with Cartken for Robot Delivery

What is happening? Washington State is studying whether too ban e-bikes from parks.

Why is this important? Supporters of a ban say e-bikes cause more damage and are faster making them more dangerous because they’re essentially motorcycles.

How will this be important? Research from the International Biking Association in 2015 shows e-bikes caused only a minimal amount more damage to trails than traditional mountain bikes.

Governing | Washington State Considers Limiting E-Bike Park Access

What is happening? In 2020, Alexandria, VA went fare free.

Why is this important? Two years into free fare bus service and ridership numbers are up.

How will this be important? Funding has been secured of the program for 3 years and is expected to continue thereafter.

Governing | For This City, Fare-Free Transit Is a Big Success

What is happening? Highway expansions in Los Angeles and Denver have been cancelled.

Why is this important? The decision to cancel an 28 miles expansion from the busiest port complex was canceled due to impact to climate change, the impact to BIPOC communities who live in its path. Colorado says it can no longer afford to widen widen Interstate 25 through central Denver.

How will this be important? Oregon is moving forward on a transportation project after the Governor negotiated caps that would allow buildings to be constructed over the highway and would help reconnect a BIPOC neighborhood.

Route Fifty | Two States Cancel Highway Expansions After Years of Planning

What is happening? We’ve talked about this before but its worth repeating since the electric F150 is back in the news. It’s still being billed as an electric truck that can power your house during emergencies.

Why is this important? Wildfires in California, Major winter storms in Texas, hacking of infrastructure….disasters and the unexpected occur.

How will this be important? “The extended-range Lightning’s 131 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion pack boasts almost 10 times the capacity of a Tesla Powerwall” PG&E is testing how to use the truck in the managment of the grid.

@bloombergbusiness

What is happening? According to @bloombergnef  sales of gas powered cars peaked in 2017.

Why is this important? By 2025, electric vehicle sales are expected to triple to more than 20 million globally.

How will this be important? Analysts say the switch is purely consumer driven and not policy driven. Consumers want electric cars.

@goodgoodgoodco

What is happening? Scooter companies are joining forces with their e-bike brethren as scooters become more ubiquitous.

Why is this important? As scooters are considered like e-bikes, they become part of the solution for micro mobility. This allows scooters to be at train stops and bus stops to helps people get to their destination, but also includes regulations and data sharing/data protection/data gathering.

How will this be important? “The places where we’ve seen the most successful programs are those where MaaS [mobility as a service] and multimodality doesn’t exist independently, but is part of a broader initiative to repurpose streets, repurpose parking, away from car utilization alone,” said  Ashwini Chhabra, chief public policy officer at TIER Mobility, the world’s largest shared micromobility operator.

Governing | Scooter Partnerships Take Root as Micromobility Expands

What is happening? Tech experts are raising awareness of hacking vulnerabilities at EV chargers.

Why is this important? A hack of an EV Charger can give the hacker access to vehicle data, your connected phone’s data, the EV Charging Unit, and the electric grid.

How will this be important? A consideration for policy makers is the data security standards for EV chargers.

Route Fifty | EV Infrastructure Vulnerabilities Put Cars, the Grid at Risk

What’s happening? Lyft is returning to offering shared rides after stopping shared rides at the pandemic outset.

Why is this important? Shared rides will return to  San Francisco, San Jose, Denver, Las Vegas and Atlanta.

How will this be important? Expansion will continue through the US through the year

Tech Crunch | The Station: Lyft and Uber driver incentives, Formula 1 tech and unpacking Rivian’s $1.5B incentives package

What is happening? Since COVID, complaints to transit departments are rising, and bus drivers are noting increased violence and behavioral health issues. As a result a Seattle bus driver talked to her local legislators and suggested behavioral health specialists ride buses and intervene because they will be able to solve issues without the added stress that uniformed officers can add to a situation.

Why is this important? The legislature created a  state-funded pilot program to deescalate situations and engage services more quickly as violent crime has increased on transit since COVID began.

How will this be important? ” This program is part of an effort to create a “new vision” for security at the agency that would eliminate “disproportionately negative outcomes” for customers and employees, particularly for Black, Indigenous and other people of color, Metro spokesman Al Sanders said in an email.

Route Fifty | With Complaints Rising, Transit Agencies Search for Alternatives to Police

What is happening? Autonomous vehicles have cameras that can record surroundings and police want that footage to solve crimes.

Why is this important? Some companies like Waymo and Cruise will turn over video data when a warrant is presented. Cruise adds a layer and says that it “may share information if public safety is at risk.”

How will this be important? Privacy advocates are concerned abut the “pervasive surveillance” by law enforcement that can already include surveillance cameras, drones, doorbell cameras, license plate readers, geofence warrants and cell phone location data brokers

Route Fifty | Autonomous Vehicle Camera Footage Could Aid Police Investigations

What is happening? Connecticut is considering allowing direct sales by electric-vehicle manufacturers, and similar startups.

Why is this important? The bill has bipartisan support but car dealerships and unions representing auto maintenance workers peeled off Democrat support from the bill.

How will this be important? Autodealers- a natural opponent to this bill, but auto repair being opposed to increase sales of EVs, which require fewer repairs….that’s a fresh take.

Governing | Connecticut’s ‘Tesla Bill’ Unlikely to Pass This Year

What is happening? In lieu of repairing street lights on a first come first serve basis, San Diego is using an algorithm to repair lights that impact neighborhoods, schools, parks, impact the greatest number of people, and the proximity to other broken street lights.

Why is this important? The goal is to improve efficient workflow in San Diego

How will this be important? As a bonus the more efficient repair system helps with staffing shortages and supply chain issues. Up next for the algorithm treatment: potholes.

Route Fifty | A City Turns to an Algorithm to Prioritize Streetlight Repairs

What is happening? The US Energy Secretary announced $3.1 Billion in funding for to U.S. companies that make and recycle lithium-ion batteries.

Why is this important? Part of  $1 trillion infrastructure funding is direct4d to boosting lithium production

How will this be important? The goals are to (1)  increase domestic supplies now dominated by China et. al. (2) strengthen U.S. energy independence

AP | Energy chief Granholm touts $3B plan to boost EV batteries

What is happening? The “Uber for boats” has arrived in Austin, TX. Meet Lake Hop, a boat sharing service.

Why is this important? Lake Hop says it is safer than rentals since inexperienced people will not be driving the boats. Instead, boat owners will serve as hosts.

How will this be important? Lake Hop says passengers can ‘lake like a local’ with a host while boat owners can easily monetize the use of their boats,”

Culture Map Austin | New ‘Uber for boats’ service makes a splash on Austin lake

What is happening? California is playing around with orange and white striping for work zones to improve work zone safety. Wisconsin, Texas and Kentucky have used solid orange striping in work zones.

Why is this important? In Wisconsin  83% of drivers said the orange was easier to see than white striping. A toll authority in North Texas used orange striping. 61%of drivers said it increased their awareness of the work zone and 88% of respondents said they’d like to see the color in other Texas construction zones.

How will this be important? There is a feeling that roadway marks are easier to see than signage.

Route Fifty | States Experiment With Orange Highway Striping in Work Zones

What is happening? Michigan introduced a new license plate based on a 1950s plate and saw 3times the number of takers over the last speciality plate that pictured the the iconic Mackinac Bridge.

Why is this important? California’s most popular license plate is a retro plate. Colorado has brought back its green mountains and white sky plate. Transportation officials in California and Michigan were surprised by the level of interest in retro plates.

How will this be important? Law Enforcement is asking for white backgrounds because if law enforcement uses license plate readers the readers don’t have great accuracy with colorful license plates.

Route Fifty | The Rise of the Retro License Plate

What is happening? Bellvue Washington is adding a 5 second advance for pedestrians at crosswalks before traffic will receive a green light. The city is also adding LIDAR at certain intersections to gather data on vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists, to strengthen the efficacy of its adaptive traffic signals

Why is this important? The head start for pedestrians at lights is shown to make pedestrians more visible and produced a 42% reduction in vehicle-pedestrian close calls

How will this be important? The city’s data and analytics are publicly accessible on this dashboard.

Route Fifty | City Turns to Traffic Safety Technology to Curb Pedestrian Accidents

What is happening?  Bloomberg Philanthropies studied traffic patters at 17 pavement art installations. Total vehicle crashes fell by 17%. Vehicle crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists fell by 50%. 38% decrease in pedestrians crossing against the walk signal.

Why is this important? The pavement art reduced crashes while overall in the US 17% more pedestrians have been killed by a vehicle in the first half of 2021 compared to 2020.

How will this be important? it’s working. “a new intersection in Kansas City, Missouri that received an Asphalt Arts Initiative grant reduced overall vehicle speeds by 45%, shortened pedestrian crossing distances by 50%, and reduced noise levels by 10 to 12 decibels”

Route Fifty | On Streets With Pavement Art, Study Finds Drop in Crashes

What is happening? North Carolina leaders are supporting a proposed commuter rail that would connect Johnston, Wake and Durham counties (the North Carolina Triangle)

Why is this important? Supporters say the commuter train will be built within 1 mile of 350,000 jobs, and will take cars off the road reducing road congestion.

How will this be important? The reasons supporting commuter rail in North Carolina can be applied across the country.

Governing | Commuter Rail in Research Triangle Could Cut Traffic Problem

What is happening? Companies are slowly rolling out drone delivery to actual customers in locations from San Francisco to NW Arkansas to the DFW Metroplex.

Why is this important? We’re moving beyond pilot tests to actual delivery that companies sy is cleaner for the environment, reduces traffic congestion and reduces delivery costs.

How will this be important? Its open season on drone delivery regulations. Texans, let’s not forget the legal quandaries about the current drone statutes.

WSJ | Amazon, Alphabet and Others Are Quietly Rolling Out Drone Delivery Across America

Dallas Morning News | Futuristic drone deliveries arrive this week in Little Elm and Frisco

What’s happening? Ride share Uber, is expanding its App in the UK to be the hub of all travel.

Why is this important? Uber App in the UK seeks “to become a one-stop shop for end-to-end travel by adding intercity rail, coach and flight tickets”

How will this be important? Ride Share isn’t just ride share anymore. Need to follow this pivot into other services.

Future Travel Experience | Uber to add planes, trains and rental cars as part of super app strategy

NYPost | Uber is adding planes, trains, hotels and rental cars in ‘super app’ push

What is happening? JB Hunt announced a carbon credit purchase program.

Why is this important? Shippers will be given the amount of credits that they can purchase to offset carbon use.

How will this be important? The credits will be used to fund reforestation, regenerative agriculture, and clean power generation.

Transport Dive | JB Hunt launches program for shippers to offset transportation emissions

What is happening? Port of Houston announced a net-zero GHG footprint by 2050.

Why is this important? It’s Houston, TX where politicians talk about divesting from entities that talk about this stuff.

How will this be important? 27 initiatives including partnerships to:

•  install smart lighting at its facilities
• improve gate efficiencies
• improve navigation efficiencies
• create 800 acres of new wildlife habitat
• ventually eliminating dockside emissions
• transitioning trucks to low or no emissions vehicles
• helping green shipping corridors
• green marine and road fuels

Port Technology | Port Houston outlines plan to become net-zero

What is happening? During an interview with Reuters, it became known that JetBlue CEO prefers fast and reliable train service over planes.

Why is this important? Anyone who has used trains knows trains are m ore reliable for city center to city center transportation.

How will this be important? This piece includes links to articles that discuss rail travel not being supported by oil and gas interests because rail, high speed rail, does not rely on fossil fuels.

StreetsBlog CAL | Commentary: Even Airline Exec Prefers High-Speed Rail

What’s happening? This November California voters could vote on the Clean Cars and Clean Air Act that will fund both EV infrastructure and wildfire prevention.

Why is this important? The revenue source would be a 1.75%  increase in taxes on individuals or couples making more than $2 million per year. Generating $4 billion. This isn’t new. IN 2004, CA passed a 1% increase on similar taxpayers to fund mental health care.

How will this be important? The revenue would fund:

• 45% would fund rebates and other incentives for new zero-emission and electric vehicle purchases
• 35% for EV charging stations and half of that would go to low-income communities
• 20% on wildfire prevention and suppression programs with priority given to hiring and training firefighters

NBC Bay Area | Proponents of Clean Cars and Clean Air Act Target November Ballot

What is happening? CALTRANS is using state and federal funds for sustainable project grants. The purpose of the grants is for resilience, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meet state climate goals.

Why is this important? Sustainable transportation grants are for things like transit, bike, pedestrian,  multimodal station access, and electric vehicles.

How will this be important? The grants are also encouraging adaptable and expandable projects instead of planning fixed transportation projects that can’t adapt or grow.

Streets Blog Cal | Caltrans Announces Sustainable Transportation Grants

What is happening? The Biden Administration wants to boost major bus and rail projects in six states: NY, NJ, CA, TX, WA & TN.

Why is this important? The funding is for projects far enough in the pipeline to be up and running with the extra federal funds.

How will this be important? Included in the projects is a San Antonio rail expansion to service the airport.

Route Fifty | The Big Local Transit Projects the Biden Administration Wants to Fund

What is happening? Washington State’s budget includes:

• $3.5 million for new hybrid vessels and terminal electrification
• $14+ million for construction of new hybrid-electric vessels
• $8+ million for terminal electrification

Why is this important? A January Executive Order by the Governor required that ferries move to net zero carbon emission.

How will this be important? By reducing diesel use by ferries, Washington will reduce emissions by up to 53% by 2030 and 76% by 2040.

The Chronicle | Inslee Signs Transportation Package Into Law With Funding for New Electric Ferries

What is happening? Colorado is considering SB- 180 (2022 | CO) that would offer free transit rides during the summer to reduce emissions.

Why is this important? Colorado energy office will control the programs and offer grants to the regional transportation district & transit associations to provide free transit services for at least 30 days during ozone season.

How will this be important? Concerns raised by local transit agencies: the ability to hire drivers & the ability to deal with local increases in crimes at transit stops.

CPR | A new Colorado bill would fund free transit rides in the summer to help improve air quality

What is happening? An American Lung Association report,  Zeroing in on Healthy Air, theorizes all cars are EV by 2035, all trucks by 2040 and petrochemical plants continue.

Why is this important? The American Lung Assoc. report found Houston, TX would have public health benefits by reducing asthma rates and sick days, and preventing premature deaths. In New Hampshire the prediction is a savings of $3.9 billion in public health benefits and preventing 356 early deaths.

How will this be important? The US estimates are $1 trillion in savings and prevention of more than 3000 premature deaths.

Houston Chronicle | Switch to EVs could mean huge cut in asthma, billions in health benefits for Houston, study finds

Government Technology | Report: Electric Vehicle Use Will Save Lives, Money

What is happening? A new statewide ride share bill in Washington State will include sick pay, guaranteed minimum ride fee to drivers and complaint appeals process.

Why is this important? These requirements are being added onto mandatory background checks, workers compensation access, and licensing requirements.

How will this be important? Drivers will not be considered employees. It’s a meet in the middle approach.

Seattle Medium | Uber, Lyft Drivers To Receive Minimum Pay

What is happening? The Florida Sentinel used a Vehicle Cost Calculator website operated by the U.S. Department of Energy to determine the cost per week of an EV, a hybrid and a gas vehicle. The least cost per week? The EV.

Why is this important? The all-electric Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus rear-wheel drive cost $5.40 per week. The plug-in hybrid, Honda Clarity, cost $6.99 per week (in the test, the hybrid never needed its gas reserve). The traditional hybrid, Toyota Avalon XLE Hybrid was $20 per week and did access its gas reserve. The gas-only Lexus ES 250 consumed eight gallons a week at a cost of $34.40 per week.

How will this be important? The impact of rising gas prices on the EV sales market.

Governing | How Much Cheaper Is an EV or Hybrid Compared to a Gas Vehicle?

What is happening? Kirkland Washington has adopted a temporary ban on Amazon’s small autonomous delivery robots. The community just isn’t ready yet.

Why is this important? Local leaders want answers to: safety, zoning around the device dispensers and how residents feel about the delivery robots

How will this be important? State law in Washington limits speed (currently 6mph) and size of autonomous vehicle. Other limitations include:  The devices must be under 120 pounds and have a braking system and a way for a worker to remotely control navigation and movement. The delivery robots can’t transport hazardous materials or alcohol.

Seattle Times via Governing | Kirkland Enacts Moratorium on Amazon’s Autonomous Delivery

What is happening? New Jersey this week announced $1 Million in grants to install EV chargers at 24 designated tourist areas across the state.

Why is this important? Range Anxiety. Rising gas prices due to Russia’s invasion into the Ukraine.

How will this be important? The cooperation between New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities and its transportation agency, NJ Transit. Cities and states across the c country are following suit: NYC; Portland Maine, Bellingham Washington; Saginaw Michigan; and Charlotte North Carolina.

AP | As gas prices rise, towns add electric car charging stations

What is happening? ChargePoint, Volvo and Starbucks are partnering to install EV Chargers at Starbucks locations. It’ll be 15 charging stations, 60 plugs, across 5 states.

Why is this important? The project will cover a 1,350-mile route that stretches from Seattle to Denver

How will this be important? The program is like the Volkswagen partnership with its Electrify America that installs chargers at Walmart and Target.

The Verge | Volvo and ChargePoint will build EV charging stations at Starbucks in 5 states

What is happening? Universal Hydrogen is opening a manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, N.M., to power passenger aircraft with hydrogen capsules

Why is this important? NM is part of a multi state Memorandum of Understanding to support the area being a hydrogen hub

How will this be important? The company’s mission is to “decarbonize aviation.”

Governing | New Mexico’s Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Plant Will Employ 500

What is happening? Washington State Governor proposed $100 million in EV incentives, and the supplemental budget passed but he Legislature approved $25 million with no plan for who and how the incentives would be awarded.

Why is this important? The Legislature wanted to focus on EV public infrastructure and charging not vehicle incentives. Plus, the Legislature has appropriated previously, $207 million for charging infrastructure & $120 million for electric-vehicle incentives through June 2025.

How will this be important? All the details are being left to the regulatory agency in charge, the state’s Department of Commerce

Governing | Washington State Legislature Fails to Pass $7,500 EV Rebates

What is happening? Connecticut Governor is proposing suspending 25 cents of the state’s gas tax to curb high fuel prices.

Why is this important? The Governor says the suspension of the gas tax is a way to provide immediate relief to the people.

How will this be important? His relief plan also includes suspending the state sales tax in April for clothing, in addition to the August sales tax suspension. Republicans in the Legislature are also calling for the suspension of the state’s petroleum gross receipts tax until June 30.

AP via Beaumont Enterprise | Lamont, lawmakers eying suspension of 25-cent state gas tax

What is happening? Connecticut is considering Raised Bill Number 5117 (2022 | CT) that would renters the right to install chargers. It would also prohibit Home Owner Associations from preventing EV charger installations.

Why is this important? It is a method to expand the EV charger footprint in the state.

How will this be important? This is the first time this legislation has been on our radar. It’s coming to your state too.

Energy News Network | Connecticut ‘right-to-charge’ bill paves path for renters to install their own EV chargers

What is happening? National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration issued first of its kind final rule for autonomous vehicles this week. The rule will makes changes to terminology, exclude those vehicles that are only for delivery and do not transport humans, and reflects how the industry is progressing.

Why is this important? There are many ways a autonomous vehicle can operate, with no human driver, with a human driver, and old terminology and safety standards don’t fit.

How will this be important? Provides a framework for state legislation.

Tech Crunch | Buckle Up Autonomous Vehicles Finally Get Safety Standards

What’s happening? States are procuring road sensors that can sense climate issues, when truck tires are unsafe and near blowout, detours, road closures, and alert EMS.

Why is this important? We’ve chatted about roads that can charge EVs, these sensors are safety oriented.

How will this be important? Other tire safety checks at weigh stations have been shown to save lives. Sensors also have the potential to save lives.

Pew Charitable Trusts via Governing | States Hope Road Sensors Will Prevent Truck Crashes

What is happening? The Texas House is looking into how to support the trucking industry to strengthen the supply chain system.

Why is this important? Here’s the laundry list of options that are to be examined:

• utilizing state property and right-of-way for natural gas fueling stations and truck parking
• the potential shortage of drivers and sellers of commercial trucks
• the shortage of truck parking options to accommodate hours of service regulations
• ways to reduce border crossing wait times
• Examine regulatory and statutory impediments to connected vehicle and autonomous technologies aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of trucking in Texas.

How will this be important? The movement of goods from the border and from the ports in Texas, make Texas poised to blaze new ground.

What’s happening? We’ve talked about L.A. working on ordinances to give the taxi industry a boost by sharing data and loosening medallion restrictions. Welcome Austin, Texas to this mindset. From 2017 to 2021, taxi rides decreased 91%

Why is this important? Austin is considering an operating authority licensing model in lieu of the old way, a franchise licensing model

How will this be important? This means taxis will be regulated like vehicle-for-hire companies. e.g. limousines, charter vans, charter buses, touring and sight-seeing coaches, pedicabs and low-speed electric vehicles.

Austin American Statesman | Austin’s taxicab industry is suffering; the city is ready to throw a lifeline

What is happening? The Perryman Group is out for economic value of the US space industry.

Why is this important? 350,000 direct jobs. $204.0 Billion in Gross Product. 1.7 million jobs supported.

How will this be important? Texas is home to  6.75% of Space Economy jobs,  $11.7 billion in annual gross product, and over 102,000 jobs (including multiplier effects). Estimates that Texas Space Economy will expand 120% faster than in the US.

@PerrymanGroup

What is happening? Some say federal indecision has stalled V2X which would have created a radio wave system on every vehicle to transmit radio waves to other vehicles, traffic signals and road amenities.

Why is this important? Feds encourages manufacturers to develop the technology for 20 years. They didn’t. And now radio bandwidth is being diverted & cellular communications are being encouraged.

How will this be important?  The “5G Automotive Association, which includes Ford, Jaguar, Audi and Land Rover, petitioned federal officials in December for permission to develop cellular technology.”

Pittsburgh Post Gazette via Governing | Is Lifesaving Car Communication Delayed by Federal Indecision?

What is happening? In 2019 Oregon passed HB 2834 (2019 | OR) and now Oregon legislators are considering HB 4130 (2022 | OR) that would fund the bridges.

Why is this important? HB 4130 will invest $7 million in strategic projects that reduce wildlife collisions across the state. 

How will this be important? More people means more displaced wildlife that would benefit from wildlife bridges.

Statesman Journal | Bring to life Wildlife Crossings Investment Act

What is happening? The Liberty Canyon Wildlife Corridor over the 101 in Agoura Hills is receiving a $1 million donation from Boeing.

Why is this important? The wildlife bridge will protect mountain lions and other animals

How will this be important? The National Wildlife Federation says ” [Los Angeles] is about to become a world leader in how to coexist with wildlife and how to preserve biodiversity in such an urbanized environment.”

LAist | World’s Largest Urban Wildlife Crossing Project Receives $1 Million Donation

What is happening? On February 17, 2022 SB 1251 (2022 | CA) was filed, to create the EV Equity Ombudsman in California.

Why is this important? The Ombudsman will coordinate activities among state agencies to advance light-, medium-, and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles and zero-emission infrastructure deployment and to ensure related equity, workforce development, economic development, and other needs are addressed to grow and support the sector statewide in order to achieve specified goals relating to zero-emission vehicles.

How will this be important? Interagency communication on electric vehicle issues that’s new and proactive.

What is happening? A paper published in the journal, Computers & Security, identified vulnerabilities in some of the EV charging station industry’s biggest manufacturers

Why is this important? 3 points of access of nefarious hackers: firmware, mobile applications and web applications.

How will this be important? Rapid growth in the industry has led to companies seeking to see up with demand and not having the capacity to identify vulnerabilities

Concordia University.ca | Electric vehicle charging stations are a new focus for Concordia cybersecurity researchers

What’s happening? L.A. is considering ordinances that would give taxis competitive edge with ride share.

Why is this important? The ordinances would give approved ride-hailing applications access to traffic and other city data to make dispatching riders more efficient. Further, taxis will no longer have to be yellow, but simply must bear a taxi decal.

How will this be important? LA is removing existing caps on taxi medallions.

LA Times via Governing | Can New Apps, More Permits Save the Los Angeles Taxi Industry?

What’s happening? Policy experts are trying to discern which mode of transportation is the most environmentally friendly and isn’t walking or riding a bike. Think of it as a bus v. train brawl.

Why is this important? When major fossil fuel companies being setting climate goals of zero carbon and Florida sets clean air standards to protect its tourism industry, let’s say this issue hits all sides.

How will this be important? Oakridge National laboratory energy efficiency researchers say CO2 impacts are:

•  177 grams per passenger mile for trains
• 299 grams per mile for buses
• cars at 371 grams

Governing | Are Trains or Buses Better for the Environment?

What’s happening? Paris has upgraded aerial cable cars to allow commuting to the center city.

Why is this important? It’s electric, its environmental friendly, it doesn’t require property acquisition. And the commute takes half the time as a bus

How will this be important? To address privacy concerns, the cable car windows will fog when near private residences to maintain the privacy of residential life in Paris

@worldeconomicforum

What’s happening? Boston is noticing that a lot of public chargers are located in wealthier areas. That Creates Charging deserts in neighborhoods where the houses have no driveways or garages. Only 57% of Bostonians live close to a charging station.

Why is this important? Cities and rural areas want more control over where EV chargers are located

How will this be important? Some say cities that control their own utilities like Los Angeles, may have the advantage to locate chargers alongside existing transmission lines.

Route Fifty | Millions of Electric Vehicle Chargers Are Coming and Cities Want a Say in Where They Go

What’s happening? After piloting autonomous freight trucking between Phoenix and Tucson, TuSimple of San Diego will begin delivering freight in AZ by partnering with Union Pacific.

Why is this important? Autonomous trucking is one thing they say, but it is the partnership with Union Pacific that shows autonomous trucking can add value to freight delivery system.

How will this be important? “The company expects its operations to be commercially viable on a large scale by the end of 2023, and it has targeted the Texas triangle between Houston, Dallas and San Antonio as one of several areas for expansion.”

San Diego Union-Tribune via Governing | Self-Driving Freight Deliveries to Begin in Arizona This Spring

What’s happening? Kansas is trying to find an alternative to the gas tax to fun road repair and maintenance. During this process it is considering a pay as you drive fee.

Why is this important? Currently EVs in KS pay an annual $100 registration fee. Moving to a pay as you drive model follows moves by Oregon, Virginia and Utah

How will this be important? The current Secretary of Transportation in KS says it’s time to start thinking of ” transportation like a utility.”

Topeka Capital-Journal via Governing | How Will Kansas Fund Road Repairs Without a Gas Tax?

What’s happening? Brightline West , which is developing high speed rail between Los Angeles and Las Vegas is anticipating breaking ground next year.

Why is this important? Brightline is operating an existing high speed rail in Florida, connecting Miami and Orlando, and utilizes existing tracks. California and Nevada both authorized the entity to sell private activity bonds to support the project.

How will this be important? Messaging includes “all electric train” and “environmentally friendly” project

ENR Southwest | Las Vegas to L.A. High-Speed Rail Construction Could Begin Next Year

What is happening? By 2030, Bentley anticipates a fully EV line.

Why is this important? By 2025, the first EV Bentley will be manufactured. Production of 3 gas models will cease in 2026.

How will this be important? Bentley announced its goal to be completely carbon neutral and to “become the world’s benchmark luxury car business, financially resilient and recession-proof.”

Forbes | Bentley To Spend $3.4 Billion To Become All-Electric By 2030

@Forbes

What is happening? Ford has a new EV program for Northern California’s wine region that will offer electric pickup trucks, cargo vans and software services in a bid to boost EV and technology adoption among farmers and other commercial customers.

Why is this important? For Ford the program is important because it includes Ford Pro Intelligence which is a digital service for fleet management. For the wineries, they will receive electric vehicles, charging stations and telematics services aimed at helping businesses maximize the uptime and productivity of their vehicle fleets.

How will this be important? The program fits with the Sonoma County Winegrowers that is working to move Sonoma to 100% environmentally sustainable.

Detroit News via Governing | Ford Pilot Program to Equip California Winegrowers With EVs

What’s happening? The constitutional amendment to establish that gig workers are not employees saw the state’s largest political contribution ever with a $14.4 M contribution by Lyft.

Why is this important? The ballot fight in California was that state’s most expensive. That initiative was declared unconstitutional by California lower courts.

How will this be important? The MA Attorney General is currently suing tech companies over the issue. Both CA and MA are showing the the issue to be complicated in terms of regulation, legislation, litigation, and campaigning.

Boston Globe | Lyft makes largest one-time political donation in Massachusetts history, fueling gig worker ballot fight

What is happening? Swedish-Kenyan Startup OPIBUS is beginning service for its EV mass transit bus.

Why is this important? By 2023 their mass transit will operate throughout Africa.

How will this be important? OPIBUS is pivoting to the building of EVs and supportive infrastructure

TechCrunch | First EV mass transit bus by Swedish-Kenyan startup Opibus begins operation amidst plans for regional launch by 2023

What’s happening? Shell is rolling out converted some UK gas stations that now offer EV charging.

Why is this important? Chargers at the station can charge most EVs from 0% to 80% state of charge in 10 minutes

How will this be important? Shell has announced it will be net zero carbon by 2050. It is calling these converted stations the future. California is considered the first location for EV gas station conversions.

AutoWeek | Shell Station Converted to EV Charging Is a Glimpse of the Future