Dan Zukowski

Smart Cities Dive • November 7, 2022

Auto industry reassesses autonomous vehicles, creating uncertainty for city leaders

Autonomous vehicles are either on the precipice of a technology breakthrough that could make them far safer in congested cities or years away from any meaningful development toward wider use. No clear consensus on the future of AVs exists among technologists, vehicle makers, software and hardware suppliers, and other industry experts. That could leave city and state leaders wondering how to prepare for an eventuality that may or may not happen.

Smart Cities Dive • September 19, 2022

Transit agencies can’t hire enough drivers to keep the buses running

Transit agencies across the country are struggling to hire the bus operators needed to fill their service schedules. Amid strong competition for workers throughout the economy, being a bus driver is no longer considered the “pathway into the middle class” that it once was, said Chris Van Eyken, program manager at TransitCenter, a transit advocacy foundation.

Smart Cities Dive • September 13, 2022

Cities turn to microtransit to fill gaps in public transportation

Ride-hailing vehicles, vans, shuttles and buses can all function as microtransit. They can be used on fixed or flexible routes and schedules, as well as with on-demand scheduling.

Smart Cities Dive • September 8, 2022

With autonomous vehicle caucus, Congress members aim to advance technology for self-driving cars

Want to address the recent surge in traffic deaths and improve traffic flow in a smart city? Self-driving cars could help with that, said U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio.

Smart Cities Dive • August 30, 2022

Intercity bus lines begin trying out electric buses

Battery-powered electric buses are growing in use among transit agencies, but intercity bus operators have been slower to adopt the new technology. That’s beginning to change, industry leaders say.

Smart Cities Dive • May 19, 2022

Amtrak advances intercity corridor plan

A key part of Amtrak’s expansion plan is moving ahead as cities and states will be able to submit proposals this year for new or added passenger train services.

Smart Cities Dive • May 18, 2022

Traffic fatalities hit 16-year high in 2021, with pedestrian deaths up 13%

While 2020’s steep rise in traffic deaths amid the pandemic horrified safety advocates, 2021 proved even worse.

Smart Cities Dive • April 19, 2022

As cities redesign bus networks, planners stress community engagement

"A lot of agencies haven't looked at their system holistically in a long time," said one transportation planner, as many major cities undertake complex and potentially more equitable systems.

Smart Cities Dive • April 7, 2022

Soaring pedestrian deaths in 2021 attributed, in part, to less traffic enforcement

More risky driving behavior coupled with a decrease in traffic enforcement contributed to the rise in pedestrian deaths, said representatives of state highway safety offices and law enforcement.

Smart Cities Dive • January 31, 2022

More electric buses join transit fleets as costs and technology improve

As zero-emission buses are added to more transit fleets, officials and bus manufacturers are optimistic about their potential, but they caution that planning, training and learning from other cities are needed.

Smart Cities Dive • December 21, 2021

To cut traffic deaths, safety groups call for an approach that factors in human error

A "safe system approach" should recognize that drivers make mistakes and should include education, enforcement, safer vehicles and equity, experts say.

Smart Cities Dive • November 23, 2021

Smart cities grapple with equity issues heightened by the pandemic

City leaders aim to help bridge the digital divide while providing better access to education, transportation, jobs and community engagement opportunities.