Image: PTI

In a significant step towards improving urban mobility, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for India’s first pod taxi project in Mumbai. The Automated Rapid Transit System will connect Kurla with the Bandra Kurla Complex, aiming to strengthen last-mile connectivity for daily commuters travelling to the city’s key business hub, reported news agency PTI.

Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were present at the event, along with senior officials.

The project is being executed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The full corridor will span 8.85 kilometres and will be developed in phases to ensure smooth implementation, reported news agency PTI.

The first phase will cover a 3.36-kilometre stretch between Bandra East and Kurla. The route will connect important locations such as LBS Marg, Kalanagar, and Bandra Kurla Complex, while also linking suburban railway stations at Bandra and Kurla, improving access for commuters across different parts of the city, reported PTI.

The system will use driverless, technology-enabled pods that run on battery power along a dedicated elevated track. Each pod will accommodate up to six passengers and operate at a maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour.

Source: Mumbai News

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Image: Eric Richardson

Kia is charging into the future of urban transport with its battery-electric PV5 van. The PV5-based WAV New York Taxi and Rideshare concept made its live debut at the 2026 New York Auto Show, signaling the South Korean automaker's push to lead this growing segment.

Last November, the PV5 was announced as the winner of the 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY). In its home country, it'll be sold as both a passenger and cargo van (a potential future Rivian EDV rival?) but it remains unknown whether it'll arrive stateside. The cargo version would be highly attractive to small businesses. We remain hopeful. 

Kia hasn't officially confirmed anything but the WAV New York Taxi concept's very existence is a promising sign. The automaker developed the concept as part of a collaboration with BraunAbility, the leading Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) conversion company in North America.

Per Kia: 

"The PV5 WAV New York Taxi and Rideshare concept is designed to meet two key pillars of future mobility: sustainability and improved ADA-compliant accessibility for wheelchair users."

It's important to note that the PV5, from the get-go, was designed for real-world EV conversions. Its dedicated electric platform simplifies modifications, allowing partners like BraunAbility to deliver high-quality, cost-effective wheelchair-accessible taxis and rideshare vehicles. The van's low step-in height and integrated tiedowns make boarding easier for all passengers, including those using wheelchairs, while ensuring consistent securement. 

"Kia's collaboration with BraunAbility benefits those involved, expanding the existing product portfolios of both companies in the U.S. market, while aiming to offer greater quality and choice to vehicle operators and improved mobility to WAV users," said Sangdae Kim, executive vice president and head of the PBV Division at Kia.

Kia and BraunAbility are now expanding real-world testing in New York, gathering input from fleet operators, disability advocates, and government agencies to refine the vehicle for mass deployment.

Source: Clean Trucking

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A Rideshare Tax War Is Heating Up in Philadelphia

Uber riders in Philly may notice a new item at the top of their receipt: Info about how Mayor Cherelle Parker's new tax proposal on rideshares will "make your trips more expensive." It's the latest move from Uber in its growing campaign to derail Parker's tax plan.

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Zoox Rolls into L.A. with Robotaxi Test Run

By 2027, rideshare customers in Los Angeles may be picked up in a peculiar, futuristic vehicle that has no steering wheel, gear stick or gas pedal. Zoox Inc., the driverless vehicle company based in Northern California, announced in mid-March it will be partnering with Uber Technologies Inc. to integrate its autonomous vehicles into Uber’s ride-hailing app. Both companies expect to launch its partnership in L.A. by mid-2027.

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Joby and Air Space Intelligence Partner for Electric Flight

Joby Aviation, a leading electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft company, has announced a partnership with Air Space Intelligence, a Boston-based airspace management firm, to help prepare the US airspace for the scaled deployment of electric aircraft. The collaboration will focus on developing the necessary infrastructure, regulations, and air traffic management systems to support the safe and efficient integration of eVTOL vehicles into the national airspace.

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Councillor, Transit Union to Face Off over Private Bus Service in Rural Ottawa

Rideau-Jock Coun. David Brown finds it frustrating that buses from Russell, Carleton Place or Smiths Falls pass right through rural Ottawa without ever making a stop. “As soon as they hit the border of the City of Ottawa, they can’t pick up anyone else,” he said. Brown calls that a missed opportunity. The reason is a bylaw that says OC Transpo is the only mass transit provider within city limits.

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Montreal Port Chief Exits after Just Two Years on the Job

The chief executive of the Port of Montreal has parted ways with the eastern Canadian gateway after just two years on the job, amid soaring cost estimates for a major new container terminal project. “The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) announced today (April 3) that Julie Gascon has ceased her position as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective as of today,” the agency said in a brief statement posted to its website.

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More Quebecers Shifting to EVs As Gas Prices Soar amid Instability in the Middle East

The surge in gas prices is driving more Quebecers to consider electric vehicles, industry experts say. Since early March, the price of regular gasoline in the province has jumped more than 30 per cent, while diesel has risen over 40 per cent, largely due to ongoing instability in the Middle East. On the island of Montreal, gas prices are now hovering around two dollars per litre, with diesel seeing a similar spike.

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Waymo Robotaxis Hit London Streets As Driverless Cars Prepare to Challenge Uber, Transform Urban Travel

Waymo is reportedly preparing to launch robotaxi testing in London starting in April 2026, with a wider public rollout expected by September. If successful, the expansion would mark a major milestone for autonomous transportation in one of the world's most complex urban environments.

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Are Ride-Hail Time Limit Restrictions for Private Hire Drivers Fit for Purpose?

App-based restrictions on private hire driver working hours are often presented as a safeguard against fatigue, but growing scrutiny suggests the current model may fall short of delivering meaningful control. Several large private hire operators limit the amount of time drivers can remain logged into their platforms, typically capping continuous driving periods or total hours within a set timeframe. These measures are designed to mirror safety standards seen in other transport sectors and to demonstrate a degree of operator responsibility for driver welfare.

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The Future of Electric Travel in Europe

The trajectory of electric travel in Europe is no longer just about replacing internal‑combustion engines — it is about reconfiguring the entire power system. As millions of EVs connect to grids dominated by variable renewable energy sources, policymakers and utilities face a strategic choice: harness vehicle flexibility or face costly trade‑offs. Recent modelling shows that high levels of smart charging and vehicle‑to‑grid capabilities can markedly improve VRE integration, cutting the need for additional wind and solar capacity and lowering CO2 abatement costs.

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Pakistan Rushes to Electric Bikes As Fuel Crisis Reshapes Economy

Pakistan imports almost all of its oil, which makes it highly vulnerable to external shocks. When supply routes are disrupted, the domestic economy has very limited protection. Since around 40 percent of petrol is used by bikes and rickshaws, the crisis hits everyday mobility. This directly affects workers, students, and low income households who depend on these vehicles for survival. The fact that a large portion of daily income is now required just to buy petrol shows that fuel has become economically unsustainable for many.

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Uber’s Bold Bike Bet: 300,000 New Riders Planned As Safety Fears Intensify

Uber is setting its sights on a major expansion of its motorcycle-based e-hailing service in South Africa, with plans to unlock as many as 300,000 new earning opportunities—despite mounting concerns over passenger safety. The company recently committed R5 billion towards growing its mobility, delivery and digital footprint in the country, unveiling its ambitions at the South Africa Investment Conference.

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Singapore Clears Invite-Only AV Rides; Markets Weigh Math

Pony.ai’s by-invite autonomous rides in Singapore is the sort of quiet regulatory milestone local media clock early and global headlines often miss until the buses roll. The company and ComfortDelGro will run a 12-kilometre loop in Punggol, onboarding riders by invitation ahead of a public service push. The route is long for a neighborhood shuttle—about 55 minutes—and explicitly designed to cut first- and last-mile friction by up to 15 minutes versus existing options. The phase signals operational maturity more than PR momentum, and it lands in a market that prices AV risk conservatively.

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DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei and NYC Chief Fleet Officer/DCAS Deputy Commissioner Keith Kerman

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and NYC Parks jointly announced that the city has reached a new electric vehicle milestone, surpassing 1,000 electric vehicles assigned to law enforcement agencies. To reach the latest milestone, the City of New York has acquired 70 electric vehicles for NYC Parks and 33 for DSNY. As a part of the announcement, DCAS, DSNY, and NYC Parks jointly announced that all of their law enforcement vehicles will fully electrify by 2030, five years ahead of the 2035 target in Local Law 140.

These latest electric vehicle purchases mark a major step in the city’s efforts to modernize municipal operations, reduce emissions, and support safe, effective public service delivery. To date, the City of New York operates nearly 10,500 electrified units including 5,780 electric vehicles and 4,600 hybrid units. In addition, 11,695 fleet units use 100% renewable diesel including law enforcement response trucks.

“For the first time in our history, New York City now operates more than 1,000 electric vehicles in law enforcement service,” said DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei. “By investing in clean, modern fleet technology, we are improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and ensuring that city agencies have the tools they need to serve New Yorkers safely and effectively.”

“New York City is electric!” said Gregory Anderson, Commissioner, NYC Sanitation. “I’m pleased that DSNY can contribute to a cleaner and greener city by adding more electric vehicles to our fleet and help contribute to the largest electric law enforcement fleet in the country. Our Enforcement personnel play a critical role in ensuring cleanliness across the city, and these vehicles continue to serve them well.”

“These new electric vehicles significantly bolster our agency's expanding EV fleet for Parks Enforcement Patrol, helping us keep New Yorkers safe while improving air quality and reducing fuel costs,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “We’re grateful to DCAS for providing these essential vehicles, as our city continues to lead the way by meeting electric vehicle milestones well ahead of target.”

Law enforcement represents the largest segment of the city’s fleet, with approximately 11,000 vehicles across 15 agencies used in enforcement roles, including the New York City Police Department, Department of Correction, NYC Sheriff, Probation, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Sanitation, Parks, Department of Investigation, Taxi and Limousine Commission, Department of Homeless Services, Human Resources Administration, Fire Department of New York, and NYC Emergency Management. Of the 1,000 electric vehicles in city law enforcement, NYPD utilizes the majority, with nearly 500 in their portfolio.

The 1,000-vehicle threshold was reached through deployments across multiple agencies, including NYPD, the NYC Sheriff’s Office, and Probation, with the introduction of new electric enforcement models such as the Chevy EV Blazer, the city’s first pursuit-rated electric vehicle. DCAS procured 58 Blazers in the first citywide order. Other electric models in use include the Chevy Bolt, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford Lightning, Chevy Silverado EV, and Ford E-Transit. The Department of Correction has also launched the city’s first electric K-9 enforcement unit.

“NYC is leading the state in fleet electrification with the largest electric fleet and charging network,” states Keith Kerman, NYC Chief Fleet Officer and Deputy Commissioner at DCAS. “As importantly, we are showing EVs can work in some of the most challenging applications and assignments including law enforcement and emergency response. We have more to do but 1,000 EVs in law enforcement is an important, nation-leading, threshold and we thank our agency partners across city government.”

Source: NYC.Gov

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