Smart Cities Round Up - 19 JULY 2024

Cities worldwide are increasingly prioritising sustainable and intelligent transportation solutions to enhance mobility, reduce emissions, and improve urban living standards. Recent initiatives in Manchester, Tallinn, and across the United States, all reported on this week on SmartCitiesWorld, have spotlighted the transformative impact of these efforts – here are the highlights.

Beginning in the UK, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is set to revolutionise its bus network with the deployment of an AI-powered performance optimisation platform in partnership with CitySwift . By leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics, TfGM aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of its bus services. This innovative approach is expected to streamline operations, reduce delays, and provide a more responsive and user-friendly public transport experience for Manchester City Council ’s residents.

In Europe, City of Tallinn is embracing sustainable mobility by collaborating with the Czech bike-share company Rekola bikesharing . Later this year, Rekola will introduce a fleet of 200 bicycles in the Estonian capital, offering residents an environmentally friendly and convenient transportation option. The service, characterised by its distinctive pink bicycles, aligns with Tallinn’s commitment to reducing traffic congestion and carbon dioxide emissions. By providing an affordable and accessible mode of transport, the city aims to encourage cycling, enhance urban mobility, and contribute to a greener environment.

Finally, in the US, U.S. Department of Transportation ’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has allocated approximately $1.5 billion to support 117 projects aimed at greening public transportation in 47 states. This funding, part of the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will enable transit agencies to replace and modernise transit buses, thus serving more riders while reducing air pollution. The initiative also includes training for workers on new technologies, ensuring a smooth transition to more sustainable public transport options. Over the past three years, nearly $5 billion has been awarded to bolster the adoption of greener bus fleets across America’s roadways, demonstrating strong federal commitment to sustainable urban transit.

By embracing both emerging and existing technologies, along with sustainable practices, these examples show how both local authorities and national governments are not only improving public transportation but also contributing to broader environmental and quality-of-life improvements for urban communities. As such initiatives continue to expand and evolve, the future of urban mobility will continue supporting cities in becoming more intelligent and sustainable.?

Luke Antoniou , Senior editor, SmartCitiesWorld

Here is a round up of our other News this week:

1. Electric vehicle charging hub goes live in Dundee
2. Neuron e-scooters to be fitted with AI-powered cameras
3. Bolt partners with TomTom in bid to enhance ridehailing
4. Seattle to launch flexible on-demand transit service
5. UK rail companies team for asset monitoring trial
6. Tallinn works with Czech bikeshare firm to boost mobility
7. Cubic switches to SkedGo to power Umo mobility app routing
8. US air-taxi completes 523-mile hydrogen-electric flight
9. Christchurch launches energy pilot to empower communities
10. Is the UK heading for roadwork gridlock?
11. US DoT awards $1.5bn to build greener bus fleets
12. Transport for Greater Manchester to utilise AI for bus travel
13. London climate review calls for “reset” from new government
14. New cohort of mayors announced for Bloomberg-Harvard initiative
15. Report: circular cities key to Europe's economy, environment
16. City of Dowagiac, MI, launches on-demand transit service
17. Finalists chosen for New York State eco proptech competition
18. TfL established new funds for road safety and bus improvements

OPINIONS:

Three ways AI can make smart cities more inclusive and sustainable

AI in cities: making your data work toward sustainability goals

VIDEO:

City AI Series: Developing more sustainable cities

WEBINAR:

Global Local Executive Panel: From Smart Cities to Sustainable Futures – AI and Local Governance