Take a sneak peak at a potential future.
Jon Murray reports on the debut of a driverless shuttle, working a free circular route operated by Denver's Regional Transportation District.
The 61AV, as the route is called, runs every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, mostly using public streets, according to Murray. "It connects the 61st Avenue and Peña Boulevard commuter rail station to … well, not much — at least not yet."
"But there’s a long way to go before shuttles such as the six-seat EZ10 designed by EasyMile, a French company that placed its U.S. headquarters in Denver, are common sights on urban streets," according to Murray.
The long road ahead is apparent in the modest scope of 61AV. The route is considered a "low-pressure testing ground" for lessons in the role autonomous vehicles can play in addressing first-last mile obstacles. In fact, "[t]he goal with the pilot is not to attract a large ridership, though new apartments are set to open soon at one stop."
The feature-length article includes more details on the ambitions of the project, how the driverless shuttle works, and expectations for humans to adopt this new mobility technology.
FULL STORY: Self-driving shuttle offers Denver a glimpse of its future — but will riders jump on board?
Is Infrastructure Ready for Autonomous Vehicles?
Assessing the readiness of current infrastructure for autonomous vehicles to understand the challenges and necessary adaptations for seamless integration in urban environments.
How Autonomous Cars Can Induce Sprawl and Sabotage Climate Goals
Robotaxis can lead to longer, more frequent trips and are projected to increase VMT by as much as 83 percent.
NHTSA Cuts Could Make Roads More Dangerous
The agency is losing almost half of the team that oversees autonomous vehicle safety, among dozens of other key personnel.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Federal Homelessness Agency Places Entire Staff on Leave
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is the only federal agency dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness.
Restoring Northern India’s Himalayan ‘Water Temples’
Thousands of centuries-old buildings protect the region’s natural springs and serve as community wells and gathering places.
Milwaukee to Double Bike Share Stations
Bublr Bikes, one of the nation’s most successful, will add 500 new e-bikes to its system.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service