US DOT’s Smart City Challenge
The US Department of Transportation’s Smart City Challenge solicited cities’ ideas for an “integrated, first-of-its-kind smart transportation system that would use data, applications, and technology to help people and goods move more quickly, cheaply, and efficiently.” Out of the 78 proposals:
- 53 suggested implementing Dedicated Short Range Communication to connected vehicles and infrastructure
- 45 incorporated unified traffic or transportation data analytics platforms
- 44 included projects testing automated shared use vehicles for passengers
- 17 proposed using inductive wireless charging for electric vehicles, buses, or shuttles
- 11 included smart curb space management to speed up urban freight delivery
- 9 proposed free public WiFi on buses, taxis, and public spaces.
Additionally, the majority of proposals included strategies to “increase access to jobs, provide training, reach underserved areas, and ensure connectivity for all.” The report “Smart City Challenge: Lessons for Building Cities of the Future” provides additional information, including examples from San Francisco, Denver, Portland, Pittsburgh, and Columbus.