|
Daily Transportation News
January 12, 2026
| | | IATR–TRB Partnership Launches a New Chapter in Global Transportation Collaboration | |
From Left: Victoria Sheehan, Executive Director of TRB; Matt Daus, President of IATR; and Kim Ramkishun, Executive Director, IATR | |
On Monday, January 12th, building on years of collaboration, IATR President Matt Daus and Transportation Research Board (TRB) Executive Director Victoria Sheehan formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the start of the International Subcommittee meeting. The MOU establishes a framework for ongoing collaboration, knowledge exchange, and engagement between regulators, researchers, and practitioners worldwide, and further integrates IATR into TRB’s evolving international architecture. Thanks to Victoria Sheehan; Randell Iwasaki, President of Iwasaki Consulting Services, and Chairman of the International Road Federation (IRF Global); Caroline Alméras, Secretary General of the European Conference of Transport Research Institutes (ECTRI); and Christos Xenophontos, Assistant Director of Administrative Services at Rhode Island Department of Transportation; for their leadership, collaboration, and sustained efforts in bringing this MOU to fruition.
Following the MOU signing, Matt delivered a presentation to the Executive Subcommittee on International Activities highlighting IATR’s mission, global footprint, and current work at the intersection of technology, regulation, and deployment. Matt also summarized IATR’s work on autonomous vehicle and robotaxi policy, including its Guiding Principles for AV Deployment, and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing the regulatory and socioeconomic impacts of automation.
| |
The signing of the IATR–TRB MOU and the Subcommittee presentation reflect a renewed commitment to global partnership at a moment when transportation challenges, and solutions, are increasingly interconnected.
Click Here To Read More
| | Taxi Operators Get Temporary Relief at Mopa Airport | |
|
GOA, INDIA - Taxi operators received temporary relief at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, on Tuesday after Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant intervened in the escalating dispute over vehicle entry and waiting-time restrictions imposed by airport opera tor GMR. Following the intervention, taxi unions said GMR has allowed a five-minute free window for pick-up and drop-off, easing the earlier two-minute limit that had triggered wide spread resentment among drivers. However, the operators made it clear that the relaxation is only an interim measure and reit erated their demand for a minimum 10-minute waiting period.
Earlier in the day, taxi operators converged out side the Chief Minister’s residence at Altinho to flag what they described as the ‘entry fee’ issue at Mopa airport. Heavy police de ployment was in place as a precautionary measure. Addressing reporters after the meeting, Sunil Naik, president of the North and South Goa Taxi Union (NS GTU), said the gathering was not a protest but an attempt to highlight the concerns of nearly 22,000 taxi operators across the State. “We want 10 minutes for taxis and 15 minutes for buses. Earlier, there were no issues; the problem has started now. We are happy that the earlier condition of picking up passengers within two minutes has been relaxed to five min utes, but this is only a temporary relief. We will continue to demand 10 minutes, as other airports allow up to eight minutes,” he said.
Taxi drivers across Goa have strongly objected to GMR’s revised regulations, under which vehicles are reportedly charged Rs 210 if they exceed the stipulated waiting time of 2–5 minutes in the pick-up zone. Drivers argue that the limit is impractical, citing delays caused by flight arrivals, passenger coordination, luggage handling and security procedures. They contend that the rule effectively penalises taxi operators for factors beyond their control and threatens their livelihoods. According to union leaders, when these concerns were placed before the Chief Minister, he assured them that the five-minute waiting window would remain in force for the time being. He also directed officials to examine complaints regarding the number of speed breakers inside the airport premises, which drivers say further slows vehicle movement.
The operators urged the government to formally recognise them as stakeholders in future meetings with GMR so they can directly present operational issues. The agitation had earlier gathered momentum at Col vale, where a large number of taxi drivers assembled demanding an immediate rollback or further relaxation of the waiting-time restrictions. After police intervention, a 15-member delegation of taxi operators was escorted to Mopa airport to hold discussions with GMR officials. Taxi unions warned that the agitation would be intensified, including possible disruption of airport transport services, if their demands remain unaddressed.
Source: O Heraldo
Click Here To Read More
| |
| |
Uber, Lucid and Nuro Unveil Jointly Developed ‘Global Robotaxi’ at CES
In September 2025, Lucid closed on a $300 million investment from Uber to add up to 20,000 Gravity robotaxis to its ride-hailing platform over the next six years in dozens of global markets. The unveiling this week at CES offered the public the first look at the robotaxi prototype, which will be similar to the production version. “Our engineering, range and interior comfort offers a unique platform, and when combined with Nuro’s technology and Uber’s scale, we are collectively building an experience like no other,” said Kay Stepper, VP of ADAS and autonomous at Lucid, in a statement. ADAS refers to advanced driver assistance systems, such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings. The companies also announced that on-road testing of the robotaxis began in the Bay Area last month. Nuro is leading the testing of the vehicles, which are being monitored by human safety drivers.
Click Here to Read More
City of Chattanooga, UTC Research Institute Awarded $1.06 Million USDOT Grant to Advance Roadway Safety
The City of Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Institute (UTCRI) have been awarded $1,063,393 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program to support a new Roadway Safety Design Technology Platform. The funding will support data-driven work that complements the city’s existing Comprehensive Safety Action Plan by expanding how roadway safety conditions are evaluated across Chattanooga, with technical leadership provided by UTCRI’s Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP). By combining intersection-level data with continuous roadway imagery along high-risk corridors, the project will help the city look beyond individual intersections and better understand safety conditions and emerging risks.
Click Here to Read More
Seen on Austin Streets, Tesla Cybercab Takes to Highway
Just days after Tesla was seen testing prototypes of its Cybercab on Austin streets, one of the cars has been spotted on the highway — at night. The purpose-built robotaxi had been spotted on busy South Austin streets since late December. Now, a video taken by Tesla investor Adan Guajardo has captured a Cybercab driving this week on Austin's MoPac Expressway, officially known as Loop 1. The nighttime highway Cybercab sighting suggests Tesla is aggressively pushing forward with its newest vehicle.
Click Here to Read More
| |
Toronto Came Closer Than Ever in 2025 to Zero Traffic Fatalities, but Can It Get There Without Speed Cameras?
Last year, Toronto had the fewest traffic-related deaths it’s recorded in a decade, just as a major road safety program has been removed from the city. The latest city data shows 39 people died on Toronto’s roads in 2025, even fewer than in 2020, when COVID-19 pandemic restrictions kept the streets far emptier than usual. There were 19 pedestrian deaths recorded, 12 motorists, five motorcyclists, two cyclists and one “micromobility” death, which includes people who ride electric bikes, e-mopeds and e-scooters.
Click Here to Read More
STM Says It Needs Billions for Metro Maintenance
Montreal’s public transit authority, the STM, says its aging Metro system needs billions of dollars worth of maintenance — and it doesn't have the money. In a news release on Friday, the STM said its infrastructure and assets were in poor condition and deteriorating every year. “Investments in asset maintenance have remained below requirements for several years, putting increasing pressure on infrastructure, particularly in the Metro system,” said Aref Salem, the president of the STM’s board of directors.
Click Here to Read More
Metro Vancouver Transit Set for Rider-Driven Upgrades
Better real-time transit information, more reliable elevators and escalators, easier ways to report cleanliness issues, and continuing design work for bus rapid transit (BRT) are among the improvements Vancouver’s TransLink is advancing through its new Customer Experience Action Plan.
Click Here to Read More
| |
Benteler Acquires Deutsche Bahn Company ioki, Creating First European Full-Service Provider for Autonomous Mobility
The Benteler Group is acquiring ioki GmbH, the leading European provider of software-based mobility solutions, from Deutsche Bahn AG. Both companies have signed the corresponding agreement; further details of the transaction will remain confidential. The closing of the transaction is expected in the near future. With the successful acquisition, HOLON, ioki, and Benteler Mobility form the first European full-service provider for autonomous mobility.
Click Here to Read More
Neolix and Luxmea to Launch Autonomous Delivery Ecosystem in Europe
Chinese autonomous technology company Neolix has partnered with e-cargo bike provider Luxmea to launch a self-driving urban logistics ecosystem across Europe. Neolix, which has more than 15,000 autonomous vehicles deployed across 15 countries, will bring its AI capabilities and L4 autonomous driving to Luxmea’s established European footprint which spans more than 550,000 e-bikes in circulation. The companies aim to build an AI-powered ecosystem to support urban logistics and last-mile delivery across Europe, starting in Luxmea’s home market of Germany.
Click Here to Read More
Scooter Firm's Message to Liverpool as Contract Comes to an End
A Swedish e-scooter firm has said it hopes to one day return to Liverpool as its stay in the city comes to an end. It was confirmed in November that the city council had awarded a contract to Bolt – Europe’s largest micromobility platform – to operate shared scooters and e-bikes from this year. The new service, replacing existing provider Voi, will provide 2,000 scooters and 100 e-bikes across Liverpool, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will cover the entire city, with areas such as Speke and Garston to have access to the vehicles for the first time.
Click Here to Read More
| |
BYD Creates New Lingui Marque for Robotaxi Fleets
BYD has established a sub-brand called Linghui which specifically targets China’s ride-hailing market, filing four models with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on 8 January. The models Linghui e5, e7, e9 and M9 each bear a distinct new logo, although the electric vehicle maker has not formally announced the brand to media outlets. All four vehicles appear to be rebadged versions of existing BYD models adapted for autonomous mobility operations. The Linghui e9 is based on the Han sedan, while the e7 derives from the Sealion 06 EV, the e5 from the Qin Plus EV, and the M9 from the Xia multi-purpose vehicle with dimensions. This is not BYD’s first foray into autonomous mobility. The automaker currently serves the robotaxi segment through e-series models placed under its commercial vehicle division.
Click Here to Read More
Revanth Reddy Wants Cops to Start Auto Debit System, No Discounts for Traffic Challans
Hyderabad Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy suggested that the traffic police introduce an auto debit system for the payment of traffic challans, directly linking the amount to the vehicle owner’s bank account. He said the vehicle owner’s bank account should be synchronized with the department while registering a vehicle so that whenever a challan is issued, the amount is automatically deducted. Revanth Reddy made the suggestion while addressing a road safety program here on Monday. “When an owner gets a vehicle registered, his bank account details should also be recorded. When a vehicle is involved in overspeeding or any other violation, the traffic challan amount should be debited from the owner’s account,” he said. The Chief Minister also criticized the traffic police for offering discounts on traffic challans. He said many violators were confident that they would eventually be given concessions and could clear pending challans later.
Click Here to Read More
InDrive Turns to Ads and Groceries to Diversify Revenue
Known for its bidding-based approach to fares, inDrive is deepening its push beyond ride-hailing by rolling out advertising across its top 20 markets and expanding grocery delivery to Pakistan, executing on a “super app” strategy outlined last year to build new revenue streams and boost engagement while sustaining growth in price-sensitive markets. The latest move by the Mountain View, California–headquartered firm comes as ride-hailing platforms face intensifying competition and tighter margins across emerging markets, pushing companies to look beyond transport for growth. Advertising offers a high-margin revenue stream that scales with usage, while grocery delivery increases how frequently users open the app. The combination could help inDrive reduce reliance on ride commissions while reinforcing its core mobility business.
Click Here to Read More
| | London TfL Can Only Encourage, Not Compel, Councils to Allow Taxis Access to Restricted Streets Despite Driver Investment in Electric Cabs | |
|
Concerns over restricted street access for licensed taxi drivers were raised again at City Hall after the Mayor reiterated that London boroughs retain control over whether black cabs can use roads subject to traffic restrictions, despite significant investment by drivers in electric vehicles.
The issue was raised via a written Mayor’s Questions by Keith Prince, who argued that councils - local government entities that provide public services - are forcing black cab drivers into longer routes that increase congestion, emissions and passenger fares. Prince questioned how this approach could be justified given that drivers have spent tens of thousands of pounds upgrading to electric taxis to meet clean air policies.
In a written response, the Mayor said that Transport for London (TfL) encourages boroughs to consider allowing taxi access to any streets where buses are permitted. However, he stressed that final decisions rest with individual councils, not TfL or City Hall.
The Mayor, Sadiq Khan, said boroughs are responsible for deciding whether vehicles, including taxis, can use routes where motor traffic access is restricted. These decisions, he added, are taken based on local circumstances and the objectives of specific traffic or neighborhood schemes.
The response also highlighted that boroughs have a duty to engage with stakeholders and local communities when implementing such schemes, and to consider feedback as part of their decision making. TfL’s role, according to the Mayor, is limited to encouragement and guidance rather than enforcement.
The issue remains a point of tension between licensed taxi drivers and local authorities, particularly as the capital continues to roll out low traffic neighborhoods and other traffic reduction measures. For many drivers, the argument centers on fairness, with investment in zero emission capable taxis often cited as being undermined by operational constraints imposed at borough level.
Source: TaxiPoint UK
Click Here To Read More
| |
|
|
Message from IATR President Matthew W. Daus
At the International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR), our regulators are at the forefront of addressing both the challenges and opportunities facing the mobility paradigm. Our IATR members, partner organizations, and regulated industries will continue on our shared quest to fulfill the mission of our non-profit educational organization - to bring about Multi-Modal Mobility Innovation for All! This mission can best be accomplished through information sharing, collaboration, identifying and promoting best practices, and educating our membership. These educational updates and electronic media clips are affectionately known as “IATR snips” and endeavor to cover all aspects of mobility around the globe - especially news and developments involving safety, technology innovation, multi-modal integration, automation, sustainability, electrification, accessibility, regulatory modernization, and equity.
If you would like more information about the IATR, you can visit our website at www.iatr.global. Current members can renew their memberships when you log in to your IATR portal on the top right-hand side of our website, or click here. If you forgot your membership password, please email our Membership Director, Eric Richardson, at erichardson@iatr.global.
| | | | | |
|
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2026:
Weekly news snippets
Access to the membership database
Videos and files from recent conferences
Discounted rates for future conferences, and more!
Renew your membership at http://www.iatr.global or email info@iatr.global for any questions!
| | | | |
