Transportation

Autonomous tractor-trailers have been hauling freight in Texas since 2021 but a human operator has ridden along — this month, one tractor-trailer will be losing its operator for the first time.

A new study from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association predicts a significant rise in electricity demand, driven by the growth of data centers and increased electric vehicle adoption.

Nearly 250 electric vehicle chargers will be deployed citywide this year in a push to expand charging opportunities at work and for residents living in apartment buildings. They’re the result of a three-way partnership.

The city said it has impounded 38 electric scooters parked on sidewalks, and rental companies may face fees. Vendors questioned the timing but said they are working with officials and will follow the rules.

Gov. Mike DeWine’s multibillion-dollar transportation budget, which he signed late Monday, will bar counties and townships from operating traffic camera programs. A 2015 law closely regulated their use for ticketing.

New fleet management technology for optimizing the use of electric vehicles crunches numerous variables related to battery performance, route, topography and temperature to get the most out of zero emissions.

The report, which includes information on cybersecurity, is an expanded version of a self-assessment encouraged by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Trucks are scheduled to go fully driverless in April.

Two bills propose cameras in areas with high numbers of accidents, and where construction is happening, to enforce speed limits. Current law prohibits using their use to gather evidence for a citation, in most instances.

A new data dashboard from the Urban Institute starts to flesh out how federal infrastructure funding is allocated across sectors, and in jurisdictions like states, counties and congressional districts.

The 32-year-old MTA MetroCard will cease operations Dec. 31, but other fare cards are coming. NJ Transit will debut one in just a few months, and PATH is in the works on a card for its new TAPP system.

Gov. Jeff Landry has declared an emergency via executive order as the state grapples with service disruptions at Office of Motor Vehicles sites. Some late fees are being waived for expired Class E drivers’ licenses.

As states work to build electric vehicle charging infrastructure amid a federal funding freeze, the former leader of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation urges leaders to keep showing their vision for the future.

Two bills now under consideration could change who gets to ride so-called electric-assisted bikes and similar conveyances. Some elected officials support letting kids as young as 12 ride e-bikes, with additional safety regulations.

Los Angeles and Orlando international airports have introduced parking technology to make travelers’ experiences more seamless and convenient. Cities are following suit, for ease of use and to reach more users.

Earlier this month, the City Council approved the Pomona Emerging Transportation Technologies Project, which will use AI to gather and analyze data. Video cameras on two streets will monitor spots with frequent accidents.

Transportation departments in Texas and California are exploring artificial intelligence, and the latter may create a chief data and AI officer role. These agencies, an executive said, will face “major workforce transformations.”

The Mineral County Treasurer’s Office and the state are readying a new vehicle services system, to refresh vehicle titling and registration. Services will be fully restored Monday morning, per the state website.

The University of North Dakota Center for Innovation has awarded three companies grants of $150,000 each to explore use cases for drones in undeveloped areas of the state. The project could raise new business questions.