City of Madison Competing for a $50 Million Smart Transportation Prize
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Residents Asked to Share Their Ideas for the Smart Cities Challenge
The City of Madison is competing for a $50 million prize to design and build a smart transportation system. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and Vulcan, the Smart Cities Challenge asks mid-sized cities to submit their best and most innovative ideas for a transportation future.
Madison, like all cities, is ever changing. Growth over the next 40 years is projected to add approximately 100,000 new residents and 70,000 new jobs and the transportation system will need to accommodate the anticipated demand. Transit ridership has significantly increased in recent years, with only minimal increase in service. Dane County has more jobs than workers, and commuting from surrounding counties is anticipated to increase in the coming years. More and more people are biking for commuting and recreation. Demographics are changing, and so are preferences and needs. The federal Department of Transportation challenge provides tools to address these demands, without resorting to more road building.
To compete for the prize, Madison must develop a comprehensive vision that makes use of connected, driverless, and electric vehicles; a smart grid, user-focused mobility services and choices; and data analytics and sharing. We must also show how these advanced transportation systems can be integrated with public safety, public services, and energy. Five cities with the best preliminary proposal will each receive $100,000 to prepare a final proposal for the $50 million grant.
To help create this vision, Madison is asking citizens to share their ideas for a Smart transportation future. To submit ideas, go to www.cityofmadison.com/smartmadison on the City website. The survey will be open for comments through January 18. To find out more about the USDOT’s Smart City challenge, visit the USDOT’s website.
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