Dan Zukowski
@zukowski-journo.bsky.social
Senior reporter for transportation at Smart Cities Dive.
If robotaxis aren't in your city yet, they soon will be. Waymo, Zoox, Tesla and others are in land-grab mode to stake out their territories, while Uber and Lyft plan to operate blended fleets of AVs and human-driven vehicles. Follow the action here: www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/robotax...
Robotaxis: The latest developments
Uber and Lyft CEOs outlined their visions for mixed robotaxi and human-driven vehicle fleets.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:24 PM
If robotaxis aren't in your city yet, they soon will be. Waymo, Zoox, Tesla and others are in land-grab mode to stake out their territories, while Uber and Lyft plan to operate blended fleets of AVs and human-driven vehicles. Follow the action here: www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/robotax...
The votes have been counted and 13 of the 16 transit-related measures on the Nov. 4, 2025, ballot across the nation passed. See our update at Smart Cities Dive, with thanks to the American Public Transportation Association for the data. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/local-t...
Voters approve $11.7B in local ballot measures to fund public transit
“Transit is winning,” said an American Public Transportation Association executive, citing an 81% win rate among 16 measures in seven states.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:59 PM
The votes have been counted and 13 of the 16 transit-related measures on the Nov. 4, 2025, ballot across the nation passed. See our update at Smart Cities Dive, with thanks to the American Public Transportation Association for the data. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/local-t...
I had the privilege of seeing the new South Station bus terminal concourse in Boston yesterday. It adds more bus docks and better access to the train station, with more amenities to come. This project preps Boston for more and better intercity bus service.
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/boston-...
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/boston-...
Boston downtown bus terminal expansion opens
With a 60% increase in bus docks and better connections with the train station, the South Station bus terminal will enable growth for the bus carriers, its general manager said.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:34 PM
I had the privilege of seeing the new South Station bus terminal concourse in Boston yesterday. It adds more bus docks and better access to the train station, with more amenities to come. This project preps Boston for more and better intercity bus service.
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/boston-...
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/boston-...
Ever since Elon Musk announced his intention to build and operate robotaxis in cities across the U.S., there seems to be a land-grab going on among the incumbents: Waymo, Uber, Zoox, etc. To keep up, Smart Cities Dive developed a tracker that launched today. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/robotax...
Robotaxis: The latest developments
Uber announced plans to develop and manufacture 100,000 robotaxis in partnership with leading technology companies.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
October 31, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Ever since Elon Musk announced his intention to build and operate robotaxis in cities across the U.S., there seems to be a land-grab going on among the incumbents: Waymo, Uber, Zoox, etc. To keep up, Smart Cities Dive developed a tracker that launched today. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/robotax...
Ian Choudri came on board last year as CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority to sort out the project's many problems. I spoke at length with him last week. Here's what he said. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/califor...
California high-speed rail CEO has a plan to get the project back on track
A construction engineer by trade, Ian Choudri hired a new team, reworked the project plan and says it’s time to “build more and go forward.”
www.smartcitiesdive.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Ian Choudri came on board last year as CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority to sort out the project's many problems. I spoke at length with him last week. Here's what he said. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/califor...
How interesting that the US and Canada are battling tonight, in the World Series. As much as I like our Canadian friends and neighbors — go Dodgers!
October 25, 2025 at 12:05 AM
How interesting that the US and Canada are battling tonight, in the World Series. As much as I like our Canadian friends and neighbors — go Dodgers!
Automated speed safety cameras appear to be proving their worth in San Francisco, where speeding declined by an average of 72% at 15 sites where before-and-after data were available after six months, said @sfmta.bsky.social. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/san-fra...
San Francisco speeding declines at locations with automated cameras
Six months into the city’s speed camera program, drivers are operating below the speed limit at 15 measured sites.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Automated speed safety cameras appear to be proving their worth in San Francisco, where speeding declined by an average of 72% at 15 sites where before-and-after data were available after six months, said @sfmta.bsky.social. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/san-fra...
More good news for Amtrak and intercity buses: #Detroit will build an intermodal station serving both, allowing travelers to connect easily from one to the other. I reported on plans to build a new multimodal facility adjacent to Michigan Central Station. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/detroit...
Detroit to build new multimodal transportation hub
The proposed intercity bus and Amtrak station next to the restored Michigan Central Station “will grow our regional economy,” said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
October 17, 2025 at 5:20 PM
More good news for Amtrak and intercity buses: #Detroit will build an intermodal station serving both, allowing travelers to connect easily from one to the other. I reported on plans to build a new multimodal facility adjacent to Michigan Central Station. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/detroit...
Thanks to Zach Baldwin for telling me the story of how the DC Mobility Innovation District worked with Circuit to improve transportation in the Southwest DC district. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/southwe...
How Southwest DC helped residents and visitors get around the neighborhood
Businesses and the Washington, D.C., government formed a Mobility Innovation District to launch a pilot shuttle service.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
October 16, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Thanks to Zach Baldwin for telling me the story of how the DC Mobility Innovation District worked with Circuit to improve transportation in the Southwest DC district. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/southwe...
It's up to the Illinois Assembly, meeting in their fall session, to provide state funding for @rtachicago.bsky.social to avoid a hiring freeze, service cuts and fare increases in 2026. Read more in my reporting today for Smart Cities Dive. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/chicago...
Chicago transit agencies propose fare hikes, restate 2026 budgets
Hope now rides with the Illinois General Assembly to provide state funding that could prevent rail and bus service cuts.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
October 15, 2025 at 6:01 PM
It's up to the Illinois Assembly, meeting in their fall session, to provide state funding for @rtachicago.bsky.social to avoid a hiring freeze, service cuts and fare increases in 2026. Read more in my reporting today for Smart Cities Dive. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/chicago...
Election Day 2025: Voters in four states are being asked to approve taxes to support roads and public transit and form a new transportation authority in ballot measures this November. Here's our roundup.
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/local-t...
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/local-t...
Transit measures are on the November ballot in these local elections
Voters in four states are being asked to approve taxes to support roads and public transit and form a new transportation authority.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
October 9, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Election Day 2025: Voters in four states are being asked to approve taxes to support roads and public transit and form a new transportation authority in ballot measures this November. Here's our roundup.
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/local-t...
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/local-t...
Centre Pompidou, the modern art museum in Paris, is closed for five years for a total renovation. Its industrial architecture draws much debate, but I am a fan. I remember a relaxing lunch at the Restaurant Georges on the roof. I'll have to mark my calendar for 2030 for the reopening.
September 19, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Centre Pompidou, the modern art museum in Paris, is closed for five years for a total renovation. Its industrial architecture draws much debate, but I am a fan. I remember a relaxing lunch at the Restaurant Georges on the roof. I'll have to mark my calendar for 2030 for the reopening.
One of the best things about APTA's annual TransForm conference is hearing from transit leaders in formal sessions or random chats about what's top of mind for them. Here's what I heard in the Monday morning opening.
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/public-...
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/public-...
More federal funding, public outreach among US transit leaders’ priorities
The American Public Transportation Association is calling for nearly $30 billion more for public transit and $28 billion more for passenger rail in the next surface transportation authorization.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
September 18, 2025 at 10:37 PM
One of the best things about APTA's annual TransForm conference is hearing from transit leaders in formal sessions or random chats about what's top of mind for them. Here's what I heard in the Monday morning opening.
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/public-...
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/public-...
I'm back from the APTA conference, held in Boston this year. Always interested in hearing from transit and government leaders. This year, new FTA head Marcus Molinaro laid out the agency's priorities. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/fta-mol...
FTA administrator pledges partnership with transit authorities on safety, efficiency, accessibility
Federal Transit Administrator Marcus Molinaro promised to reduce regulatory burdens and accelerate project delivery while urging transit agencies to address crime and operate efficiently.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:25 PM
I'm back from the APTA conference, held in Boston this year. Always interested in hearing from transit and government leaders. This year, new FTA head Marcus Molinaro laid out the agency's priorities. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/fta-mol...
13 state governors have joined the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition to promote more affordable electric vehicles, support U.S. automotive manufacturers and preserve states’ authority under the Clean Air Act. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/state-g...
13 state governors join coalition to promote EVs
The Affordable Clean Cars Coalition said it will push back against the Trump administration's policies of “putting polluters over people.”
www.smartcitiesdive.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:51 PM
13 state governors have joined the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition to promote more affordable electric vehicles, support U.S. automotive manufacturers and preserve states’ authority under the Clean Air Act. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/state-g...
The latest on the California high-speed rail project: A California legislative proposal to allow the California High-Speed Rail Authority to expedite permitting and relocate highways and utilities died in the state Senate last week. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/track-h...
US high-speed rail projects: The latest news
California legislation to speed up high-speed rail construction failed to advance last week. Keep up on all the latest news in this tracker.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
September 3, 2025 at 10:17 PM
The latest on the California high-speed rail project: A California legislative proposal to allow the California High-Speed Rail Authority to expedite permitting and relocate highways and utilities died in the state Senate last week. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/track-h...
Catching on the news about SEPTA: A judge on Friday ordered the transit agency to pause service reductions and fare increases that were due to go into effect beginning Monday. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/philade...
Philadelphia judge temporarily halts SEPTA cuts and fare hikes
The ruling relates to a lawsuit filed last week alleging the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s actions would disproportionately harm disadvantaged riders.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
September 3, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Catching on the news about SEPTA: A judge on Friday ordered the transit agency to pause service reductions and fare increases that were due to go into effect beginning Monday. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/philade...
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has a plan to keep going, even as the US DOT cuts funding. Can it work?
US high-speed rail projects: The latest news
Under pressure from the federal and state governments, the authority aims to leverage existing rail lines to reduce costs.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
August 27, 2025 at 8:03 PM
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has a plan to keep going, even as the US DOT cuts funding. Can it work?
@amtrak.com launched a new service from New Orleans to Mobile, Ala. along a line once traveled by the nation's only transcontinental train, the Sunset Limited. That train hasn't run east of NOLA since Hurricane Katrina. Read why in my piece today for Smart Cities Dive.
How Hurricane Katrina killed Amtrak’s transcontinental train
Amtrak restored train service from LA to New Orleans, but passenger trains east to Mobile, Alabama, only restarted last week.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
August 26, 2025 at 6:17 PM
@amtrak.com launched a new service from New Orleans to Mobile, Ala. along a line once traveled by the nation's only transcontinental train, the Sunset Limited. That train hasn't run east of NOLA since Hurricane Katrina. Read why in my piece today for Smart Cities Dive.
With the Pennsylvania state Legislature unable to agree on funding for SEPTA, commuters in the Philadelphia area faced a 20% cut in service Monday morning. More cuts and a 21.5% fare hike are coming soon. Read more of my reporting for Smart Cities Dive. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/philade...
Philadelphia-area 20% transit cuts go into effect
With the Pennsylvania state Legislature unable to agree on funding for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, the agency began cutting service and increasing fares today.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
August 25, 2025 at 7:36 PM
With the Pennsylvania state Legislature unable to agree on funding for SEPTA, commuters in the Philadelphia area faced a 20% cut in service Monday morning. More cuts and a 21.5% fare hike are coming soon. Read more of my reporting for Smart Cities Dive. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/philade...
Intercity buses might be called the neglected child of our transportation modes in the US. But ridership is on the upswing and cities are getting on board by building, expanding or renovating big, comfortable bus terminals. I spoke with industry leaders and here's what I found. bit.ly/4lDc2Mq
Are intercity buses having a Cinderella moment?
Ridership is on an upswing, and several cities are opening new or refurbished intermodal terminals. Here’s what you’ll find in eight major cities.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
August 21, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Intercity buses might be called the neglected child of our transportation modes in the US. But ridership is on the upswing and cities are getting on board by building, expanding or renovating big, comfortable bus terminals. I spoke with industry leaders and here's what I found. bit.ly/4lDc2Mq
I wanted to know how Waymo robotaxis might handle harsh winter conditions. I spoke with them and independent experts who explained the challenges of safe operation in harsh winter weather. Read what I learned in my reporting for Smart Cities Dive. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/waymo-r...
Waymo readies its robotaxis for winter weather
The company has tested its autonomous ride-hailing vehicles in Boston, New York City and Philadelphia. Can they handle snow, ice and winter storms?
www.smartcitiesdive.com
August 7, 2025 at 1:28 AM
I wanted to know how Waymo robotaxis might handle harsh winter conditions. I spoke with them and independent experts who explained the challenges of safe operation in harsh winter weather. Read what I learned in my reporting for Smart Cities Dive. www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/waymo-r...
The buses your transit agency buys are getting more expensive, thanks to Trump's tariffs. They are being passed along to customers on both current and future contracts, said a major bus manufacturer. Read more from my reporting for Smart Cities Dive.
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/trump-t...
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/trump-t...
Tariffs make transit buses more expensive
North American bus manufacturer New Flyer reported strong demand for transit buses and a shift away from zero-emission vehicles in its second-quarter earnings call.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
August 4, 2025 at 8:50 PM
The buses your transit agency buys are getting more expensive, thanks to Trump's tariffs. They are being passed along to customers on both current and future contracts, said a major bus manufacturer. Read more from my reporting for Smart Cities Dive.
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/trump-t...
www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/trump-t...
Back in 1978, the Municipal Cost Index was first published by American City & County to determine the rate of inflation of municipal costs. It became vital for public officials and their staffs to have tools at the local level to help estimate future costs. Now on Smart Cities Dive: check it out!
The Municipal Cost Index is now on Smart Cities Dive. Here’s what you need to know.
Since 1978, American City & County’s proprietary tool has helped local governments determine the cost of providing services to their residents.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
July 28, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Back in 1978, the Municipal Cost Index was first published by American City & County to determine the rate of inflation of municipal costs. It became vital for public officials and their staffs to have tools at the local level to help estimate future costs. Now on Smart Cities Dive: check it out!
Fly me to the ... airport? In a plane with no pilot? That's not far-fetched; it's the vision of Boeing's Wisk Aero subsidiary. I spoke with Wisk's Jean Carlos Asencio to learn more about the air taxi company's exciting plans. Read more at Smart Cities Dive. bit.ly/3IDlmlT
Boeing’s Wisk Aero plans autonomous air taxi service in US cities by 2030
Houston, Los Angeles and Miami are the first U.S. cities likely to see Wisk Aero's unpiloted commercial flights.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
July 21, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Fly me to the ... airport? In a plane with no pilot? That's not far-fetched; it's the vision of Boeing's Wisk Aero subsidiary. I spoke with Wisk's Jean Carlos Asencio to learn more about the air taxi company's exciting plans. Read more at Smart Cities Dive. bit.ly/3IDlmlT