UTG calls for bus funding reform
The Urban Transport Group has issued a briefing paper describing what it says is the need for funding reform for bus services post-Covid. The group, which represents the largest transport authorities in the UK says that as the lockdown is eased, new funding arrangements are needed to cover the additional costs of providing a socially […]
Aimsun releases latest modelling software
The transport simulation company Aimsun has released the latest version of its Aimsun Next mobility modelling software, which has a series of features to help planners understand the movement of pedestrians and cyclists. As cities struggle to manage a return to work for citizens and a reduction in public transport capacity due to social distancing […]
Scooter start-up poaches Uber execs
The German electric scooter start-up TIER Mobility has appointed Fred Jones to run its UK division and has also hired policy chief Benjamin Bell. Jones leaves Uber after working there for five years, yet only five months after taking over as the company’s general manager of UK and Ireland. TIER is planning to launch its […]
“Deepfake” tech “brings universal autonomy in sight
The Oxford-based technology firm Oxbotica has announced it’s developed and deployed technology to teach driverless vehicles the “near infinite” variations of a single situation without it having to test in the real world. It says it’s using “deepfake” technology that is capable of generating thousands of photo-realistic images in minutes, employing deep learning artificial intelligence […]
International support for driverless car regulations
60 countries have agreed to sign up to a United Nations Regulation aimed at the safe introduction of automated vehicles in certain traffic environments. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe-led code establishes strict requirements for Automated Lane Keeping Systems for passenger cars which, once activated, are in primary control of the vehicle. However, the […]
Jaguar launches wireless charging taxi project
Jaguar Land Rover is to work with authorities in the Norwegian capital, Oslo on the world’s first high-powered wireless taxis. In a programme known as ‘ElectriCity’, Jaguar will join Nordic taxi operator Cabonline , the region’s largest charge point operator Fortum Recharge, US technology developer Momentum Dynamics and the City of Oslo to build wireless, […]
Amazon buys driverless company Zoox
Amazon’s spending more than a billion dollars to buy American driverless start-up Zoox. Analysts think the retailer will use the technology to expand into the ride hailing business rather than for autonomous deliveries, although clearly that would be attractive to save costs in the logistics side of its operation. A price has not been disclosed […]
Atos sets 2035 net-zero commitment
The digital technology firm Atos, which offers a range of solutions in the transport industry, says it will decarbonise by 2035, 15 years ahead of requirements set in the Paris agreement on climate change. The company says this decision expands its ambitions on decarbonisation, positioning it as a core element of its growth strategy and […]
Analysis tool aids public transport decision making post-Covid
In late March, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) in the US instituted a social distancing policy limiting transit vehicles’ load to twenty passengers. The change was in response to local, state and federal guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The agency also deployed dynamic service, a system of smaller transit vehicles utilised to […]
American transport operators push for 5.9GHz action
In America, groups representing the freight industry and passenger transportation sectors are calling on a Senate panel to direct the Federal Communications Commission to reconsider a proposal to shift a portion of vehicle safety airwaves for broadband uses. TT News reports that the ITS America-led group has criticised the FCC’s position to reallocate an aspect […]