Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao spoke publically about the need for the federal government to regulate a way forward for the deployment of automated vehicle technology.
John D. Stoll reports on efforts at the U.S. Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Elaine Chao, to "coordinate a 'patchwork' of state rules attempting to govern a [automated vehicle] technology that is being developed so fast that the public can’t understand it."
"Ms. Chao, speaking to a safety conference Monday, said the Transportation Department is moving quickly to update voluntary guidelines for autonomous vehicles that were published last year by the Obama administration," according to Stoll. Secretary Chao says pressure is mounting on the federal government to do something about automated vehicles, as more "deep-pocketed companies" compete to make the technology a game-changing reality.
"For now, [the national Highway Safety Administration] is working on new voluntary guidelines that will 'overtake' the Obama administration’s blueprint," reports Stoll, but Secretary Chao "declined to discuss whether tougher regulation is needed" at the event.
[The Wall Street Journal article might be behind a paywall for some readers.]
Trump Administration Reviewing U.S. DOT's Automated Vehicle Guidelines
Among the many guidelines and rules going back to the drawing board (or ceremonial execution by executive order) at the federal level are guidelines for self-driving cars released only months ago by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
U.S. DOT Releases Pair of Autonomous Vehicle Plans
On January 8, the U.S. Department of Transportation released "Ensuring American Leadership in Automated Vehicle Technologies: Automated Vehicles 4.0 (AV 4.0)." On January 11, it followed up with the Automated Vehicles Comprehensive Plan (AVCP).
U.S. DOT Reveals Latest Autonomous Vehicle Guidelines
The U.S. Department of Transportation, under fire for not doing enough to prevent an Uber self-driving car from killing a pedestrian in Tempe in 2018, has released the latest iteration of guidelines for autonomous vehicle technology.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)