Putting People First: Smart Cities and Communities

Federal Highway Administration2021PDFTech ReportUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUnited StatesSmart growthCitiesIntelligent transportation systemsSensorsData collectionFHWA-JPO-21-864Smart cities and communities (SC&Cs) use advanced information and communications technologies to find new ways to solve age-old problems like potholes and pollution, traffic and parking, public health and safety, and equity and public engagement. SC&Cs create an intelligent, integrated information network by applying sensors and wireless communications technologies to infrastructure, vehicles, wearables, and any number of physical devices. They use this network to receive, analyze, and share data in real time to make better decisions and provide more responsive, efficient, data-driven services. SC&C technologies include user-focused mobility services; connected, automated, and electric vehicles; intelligent, sensor-based infrastructure; new urban delivery methods; smart payment systems; and advanced analytics, to name a few. This report includes some of the forward-thinking ways communities are applying SC&C concepts and how the Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is supporting those efforts. It shares results from a survey of more than 50 American cities on their use of SC&C technologies. The report also provides an overview of the benefits and challenges of SC&Cs and the key factors that can drive success.120