When the city of Cambridge in the UK announced peak hour parking charges in April to deal with air pollution and traffic congestion it didn't go over very well. Residents were furious. But the city recently announced it's investing in a kinder, gentler approach to luring people out of their cars.
Traffic in Edmonton, Alberta is far from bad compared to many other cities. But Edmonton is Canada's fastest growing major city, and it does have traffic congestion — and hundreds of the city's intersections need to be upgraded. Read our story to learn why the city is thinking ahead and planning smart tech upgrades.
Can connected car technology significantly reduce traffic accidents and congestion? Read our story to learn about a collaboration focused on ensuring the answer to that question is a resounding "yes."
This section offers real-world examples of how Smart Cities Council Partners are collaborating with cities to evaluate and deploy transportation technologies designed to enhance livability, workability and sustainability.
We're told driverless cars will change urban transportation dramatically. But how they will and how much are questions that remain to be answered for city governments. This section provides helpful background for city leaders and planners — and some of the key issues they should be aware of.
Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death globally. But there are many ways cities can ensure their transportation networks are safe for the people who use them. It's a matter of choosing the right solutions for each city's circumstances.
From traditional pedal-powered bikes to ebikes, cycling as a way to get around the city has enjoyed a tremendous resurgence in popularity in recent years. In addition to integrating well with other modes of transportation, cycling offers additional benefits for cities and the people who live and work in them.
City populations are growing throughout the world. And as city leaders and planners know, more people mean more cars — and more traffic snarls. They're also finding out that one solution is rarely enough.
Shared transportation, which includes mass transit and other urban travel options, is responding to the changing needs and preferences of the people who use those services. And those needs and preferences need to be well understood and reflected in city transportation and comprehensive land use planning.
There are many reasons why cities are investing heavily in transportation improvements. But it's not simply a matter of meeting the demands of growing populations. Smart transportation networks contribute to economic growth and resilience, reduce environmental impacts, enhance the traveling public's safety and keep our cities connected and livable.