Transportation Tech Innovation Zone Launched in Los Angeles

The city of Los Angeles is planning a Transportation Technology Innovation Zone in the West San Fernando Valley, reports Cailin Crowe.

"The innovation zone's first project will pilot a zero-emissions, last-mile delivery service to help connect homebound residents with food from local businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic," according to Crowe.

The test will conducted around the Warner Center—a neighborhood in the Valley populated by large retail and office complexes, as well as residential.

"After a few months piloting the robots, the city and an undisclosed participating company will evaluate the pilot based off a set of mutually-agreed upon performance metrics like reductions to vehicle miles traveled and emissions."

That's just the start. A future pilot will create numerous mini-mobility hubs (expected to launch in the spring) around Warner Center, and speculative future programs include efforts to cur greenhouse gas emissions, reduce water consumption, and test new transportation infrastructure, like "cool pavement."