Technology

Opinion: Robotaxis a ‘Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing’
Recent efforts to paint autonomous ride-hailing services as a complement to public transit are, according to CityLab’s David Zipper, greenwashing.

NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Tesla’s Autonomous System
The agency will probe the “Full Self-Driving” system in the wake of crashes that include a pedestrian death.

Harnessing GIS and Fire for Longleaf Pine Conservation
Scientists in Florida are using GIS technology to strategically manage prescribed burns, aiding in the restoration and biodiversity of longleaf pine ecosystems while enhancing climate resilience across the Southeast.

How AI Can Improve Public Transit
Machine learning and AI can transform the way transit agencies operate and make service faster and more comfortable for users.

Google Inks Nuclear Power Deal
Tech giants are seeking out renewable energy to fuel power-hungry data centers and AI applications.

DC’s Traffic Cameras Are Working, but Not a Panacea
Automated enforcement is reducing speeding, but bigger changes to street design and the built environment are needed to make the District’s streets safer and more pleasant for people walking.

EU's New Rider Directive Poses Challenges to Cash-Strapped Delivery Platforms
The European Union has adopted a new directive aimed at improving working conditions for platform workers and increasing transparency. This new directive goes beyond Spain’s Rider’s Law, aiming for a harmonized set of standards across the E.U.

The Role of AI in Streamlining Municipal Services and Operations
Explore how artificial intelligence optimizes municipal services, enhancing efficiency in urban planning, traffic management, and public safety.

California Fire Dashboard Tracks Statewide Resilience Efforts
The online map builds a comprehensive database of fire prevention and mitigation efforts at every level of government to help agencies coordinate their work and understand the impacts of projects.

Iowa Outlaws Most Automated Speed Cameras
The Iowa Department of Transportation has rejected a majority of applications to continue speed camera programs in cities across the state based on a new state law that requires state-issued permits for automated traffic enforcement.

Study: Chicago Speed Cameras More Equitable Than Police
The city’s automated traffic enforcement cameras are issuing tickets at rates more aligned with the community’s racial makeup — unlike human police officers, according to a new analysis.

Exploring Ocean Iron Fertilization: A Potential Climate Solution
Researchers are exploring ocean iron fertilization as a potential method for removing atmospheric carbon dioxide, emphasizing the need for controlled trials to determine its effectiveness and ecological impact in combating climate change.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know in 2024
Whether you’re a TikTok enthusiast or a Substack reader, you can find plenty of valuable and engaging urban planning content in the new media landscape.

Developing a Common Language for Microtransit Providers
New data specification technology could help rural agencies streamline their operations and coordinate efforts to improve service delivery.

AI and 5G Could Advance Port Automation
A vision for the future of automated ports with AI and 5G: harnessing technology for enhanced efficiency, reliability, and safety.

California Governor Vetoes Autonomous Truck Ban, Approves New Guidelines for AVs
A new law will allow police to issue citations to self-driving car operators and create stricter guidelines for crashes and interactions with first responders.

Using Sound to Revive Ecosystems and Enhance Biodiversity
This innovative approach leverages the power of sound to stimulate beneficial soil microbes, offering a novel and eco-friendly tool for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancement.

IIHS: Drivers Using ‘Autonomous’ Features More Likely to Be Distracted
Despite warnings that drivers should remain attentive, people behind the wheel of cars equipped with ‘autonomous’ assistance often take their eyes off the road.

Musk ‘Supercomputer’ Raises Water, Power, and Pollution Concerns in Memphis
The facility, which was completed in just 122 days, was rushed through so quickly, it is still missing environmental permits and infrastructure needed to ensure it doesn’t put stress on the grid or local water supply.

Data Center Emissions Far Outpace Tech Company Claims
In-house data centers owned by several major tech companies likely produce over six times as many greenhouse gas emissions as their owners estimate.
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