PlayIcon

A quick overview of the leading initiatives driving the deployment of robotaxis for the streets of tomorrow

Author | Lucía Burbano In 2019, Elon Musk confidently told investors, “I feel very confident predicting autonomous robotaxis for Tesla next year.” “They won’t be in all jurisdictions, because we won’t have regulatory approval everywhere, but I am confident we will have at least regulatory approval somewhere, literally next year,” he added. Six years later, […]

See more

PlayIcon

How traffic data can make cities safer and more efficient

Author | Elvira Esparza Cities are the center of human activity. The global population is concentrated in major urban centers and 7 in 10 people are expected to live in conurbations by 2050. These sprawling urban regions are evolving beyond the traditional notion of a single urban hub, transforming into vast networks of interconnected, urbanized […]

See more

PlayIcon

How will smart airports change the way we travel?

Airports have gradually gone on to form small communities uniting cities and the world through air travel. Within their anticipated evolution, they are expected to play an even more crucial role in the development of smart cities.

See more

PlayIcon

Walkable cities: Promoting better health and essential for enhanced decision-making

Author | Raquel C. Pico One of Steve Jobs’ most effective tools was taking his employees for walks through the streets of Cupertino, the home of Apple’s headquarters, whenever he needed to have important conversations with them. While it may appear to be a revolutionary concept, Jobs is just one of the latest examples of […]

See more

PlayIcon

The re-emergence of the tram: transport for the sustainable transition

As technology develops, it is common that advancements often phase out older systems in favour of new innovations. However, in the realm of urban mobility, a notable exception is emerging. Once sidelined by the rise of car-centric infrastructure, one mode of public transport is making a striking comeback: the tram.

See more

PlayIcon

Why are micro-mobility companies failing to take off?

The micro-mobility business, a field in transportation that involves a range of light vehicles such as scooters, PMVs in general or shared bicycles, is just not taking off. What are the obstacles? What are the main failures in terms of implementing this form of mobility, which, on the other hand, is necessary?

See more

PlayIcon

Designing for all: principles of universal access in public transportation

The concept of universal access refers to the design and operation of built environments, products, services and systems that can be used by all people, regardless of their abilities, age or other factors. The ultimate goal of universal access is to create inclusive spaces and experiences accessible to everyone, without necessitating additional adaptations or specialisations. 

See more

PlayIcon

Tire dust: the great hidden pollutant in road traffic

Author | Raquel C. Pico Although we often view the environmental footprint of cars as a whole, their impact on the environment—and consequently on human health—is actually linked to various types of pollution. On the one hand, there are emissions from exhaust pipes. On the other hand, there are those not directly related to exhaust […]

See more

PlayIcon

How the city of Pontevedra became a pioneer in pedestrianizing its streets

Author | Lucía Burbano Nearly 25 years ago, Pontevedra sparked a revolution by removing cars and reclaiming its streets and squares for its residents. How? By placing people at the heart of its urban strategy, pedestrianizing the entire city center and significant portions of its inner ring road. Despite initial reservations in the Galician city, […]

See more

PlayIcon

The Paris Olympics and the Urban Heat Island Effect

The Parisian Olympic Village was designed to be more sustainable than ever, but is it helping solve the Urban Heat Island effect?

See more

PlayIcon

Cycling for all: the interventions enabling equitable access to urban cycling

Cycling is seen as one of the most healthy modes of transport, but not everyone has equal access to safety and comfort on urban streets. Luckily, there are grassroots initiatives to level the playing field when it comes to urban cycling.

See more

PlayIcon

Is it possible to create quieter trams?

Author | Lucía Burbano Despite being one of the most sustainable forms of transport, trams produce a bothersome squeaking noise when their metal wheels come into contact with the rails. This issue is significant enough to warrant serious consideration in urban planning. Although trams are eco-friendly in terms of emissions, they can be quite noisy. […]

See more