Eno Transportation Weekly

August 15, 2019 – Since the recent introduction of scooters, some cities have piloted or allowed them on all streets as a potential means to reduce vehicle miles traveled. But similar to their ride-hailing peers, it has been difficult for cities to assess whether these devices are, in fact, replacing vehicle trips or siphoning away walkers and cyclists.

July 19, 2019 – On July 11, the micromobility company Lime hosted policymakers, academic researchers, advocates, law enforcement officials, and other transportation and public health practitioners for a summit aimed at improving design and operations safety for the new industry of shared electric scooters and bicycles.

March 29, 2019 – Increasing access to two-wheeled vehicles through publicly- or privately-owned shared-micromobility services is critical to helping congested cities become more livable. 

December 5, 2018 – As the nation paused for the funeral of President George Herbert Walker Bush, his lasting mark on our transportation system shows through every time a bus kneels and deploys a ramp. Making transportation accessible to everyone is vitally important and has dramatically improved since his presidency.

December 5, 2018 – The rapid introduction of micromobility, such as dockless scooters and bikes, in US cities is showing incredible promise to solve age-old city problems. While the permitting processes can be complex, here is a little advice for cities to consider on three critical areas.

October 25, 2018 – Public transportation will remain an essential part of our economies and transportation system, but it must leverage its strengths and evolve to meet today’s challenges.

October 25, 2018 – As cities begin to explore ways to accommodate new forms of mobility, outdated traffic laws and regulations must similarly shift to ensure everyone’s safety.

July 26, 2018 – Earlier this month, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) released preliminary guidelines for cities as they prepare to accommodate “shared active transportation companies” – including dockless bike- and scooter-sharing companies – on local streets.

June 14, 2018 – Dockless bikesharing companies like Lime and Spin have begun to create innovative approaches to overcoming equity challenges and serve those who are bankless or do not have a smartphone.

April 27, 2018 – Dockless bicycles and scooters have arrived. Since late 2017, several private companies have launched systems in dozens of U.S. cities such as Washington, D.C., Seattle, San Diego, and Dallas, prompting discussions nationwide on how to regulate these mobility devices.

April 13, 2018 – Uber announced Wednesday a series of new initiatives designed to work with cities in addressing challenges related to transportation and technology.

Even without a financial commitment, localities offering their valuable public space for operations are investing in dockless bikeshare companies. As a savvy investor, local governments and agencies must ensure they see measurable returns that advance transportation goals.

ETW recently spoke with Nat Parker, CEO of moovel, a Daimler-owned company that is works with city agencies to expand residents’ mobility options by seamlessly connecting them with public transit, TNCs, bikeshare, and other modes of transportation. The company has partnered with 17 transit agencies across the U.S.

While GPS mapping was groundbreaking, auto manufacturers and tech companies are now rushing to create sophisticated, ultra-precise maps of cities and every possible inch of road throughout the United States. The primary objective is to build functional and thorough digital representations of urban environments that autonomous vehicles, drones, and other automated technologies can use to safely navigate to any destination.

Today, ubiquitous wireless network availability, an ever-growing array of mobile applications, Big Data, and societal/demographic changes have created an environment in which information systems, shared vehicles, and on-demand services play an increasing role in metropolitan transportation

BY LARRY FILLER Transportation Consultant and MARC OLIPHANT Regional Employee Transportation Coordinator at Naval District Washington We are at the beginning of an important new phase in personal transportation that is both disruptive and revolutionary.