Columbus named “City of the Year” for transportation achievements
We don’t mean to brag, but we’re the City of the Year! According to one publication, at least…
Smart Cities Dive, a news source dedicated to covering urbanization, sustainability, energy, utilities, housing, transportation, and more, has named Columbus the recipient of the City of the Year Dive Award.
This award recognizes top disruptors and innovators in smart cities who are transforming urban life and shaping the future.
“In general, 2018 has been more exciting than any year to date since winning, which is a good thing. That means forward progress,” Smart Columbus Director Jordan Davis told Smart Cities Dive.
Smart City Dive highlighted the following progress made in Columbus following winning the U.S. Department of Transportation’s inaugural Smart City Challenge:
- Progress to electrification:
- Introduced 200 electric vehicles, including buses, out of a target of 300.
- A public exhibit space:
- The Smart Columbus Experience Center opened earlier this year, showcasing the city’s various smart initiatives.
- Outlook:
- The city plans to roll out more initiatives in 2019, including connecting expectant mothers with ride-hailing.
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But, Smart City Dives believes the biggest area of progress Columbus has made this year has been increasing the public’s reliance on electric vehicles.
Davis told Smart Cities Dive adoption of EVs citywide is up 65% from 2017.
On the transit side, Smart Cities Dive recognized Columbus for its adoption of dockless bikes and scooters, a bus rapid transit through the heart of downtown, and the C-pass which offers free bus travel to up to 45,000 downtown workers.
And the Smart Columbus Experience Center at 170 S Civic Center Dr was also a focal point of the article.
“The center has six models on loan that people can test drive, while also learning more about the technology,” wrote Smart Cities Dive. “It will also serve as a place for Columbus to share lessons and best practices with other cities and technology leaders.
Moving forward, Columbus is working towards connecting pregnant women with transportation.
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