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STV News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- STV News
Would you travel on a self-driving bus around Glasgow?
Self-driving buses could be introduced in Glasgow to connect major parts of the city to meet the needs of locals. The Glasgow Automated Mobility Mass-transit Accelerator (GAMMA) is conducting a feasibility study over the introduction of the service across selected routes in the city centre and surrounding areas. The project will be tested on selected rural, peri-urban and urban routes designed to connect major points of interest, including employment hubs, healthcare services, recreation venues and key transport interchanges. These routes would include Glasgow Central and Queen Street, and Buchanan Bus Station. The project aims to design a 'commercially viable autonomous bus service that meets the real needs of the people of Glasgow'. The study has received funding and support from the UK Government through the £150m Connected and Automated Mobility CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies (FS) Competition. Ash Dowler, senior innovation and net zero consultant, DG Cities, said: 'This project is an exciting step towards understanding how autonomous buses can truly serve Glasgow's people and places. 'As a consultancy which has helped cities across the UK harness the potential of new technology and data to improve the lives of residents, we are keen to explore how we can work with our partners, including Glasgow City Council, to tackle some of the biggest social and environmental challenges facing those who live, visit and work in the city. 'It's fantastic to kick off this important work with such a great team.' The UK Government wants to create a £40bn CAM sector and over 6,500 jobs by 2040. Mark Cracknell, programme director at Zenzic, said: 'We are thrilled to announce the GAMMA project, spearheaded by DG Cities, ZF and Admiral Insurance, as one of the fourteen exciting CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies taking place across the UK. 'The deployment of Connected and Automated Mobility solutions in our towns and cities holds incredible promise – enhancing accessibility, reducing emissions, and fostering a transport network that is both reliable and inclusive. The GAMMA project will serve as a pivotal example in showcasing those benefits. 'We are looking forward to working with the project consortia as they further develop their business case, demonstrate the commercial readiness of the service, and provide vital insight into the opportunities presented by the deployment of CAM solutions in regions throughout the UK.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
Project to explore self-driving bus service in Glasgow
The feasibility study is being conducted by The Glasgow Automated Mobility Mass-transit Accelerator (GAMMA), a consortium led by organisations including DG Cities, ZF Group and Admiral Group Plc. The project will test the feasibility of autonomous bus operations on a variety of carefully selected rural, peri-urban and urban routes. The routes are designed to connect major points of interest, including employment hubs, healthcare services, recreation venues and key transport interchanges, such as Glasgow's two main rail termini and Buchanan Bus Station. READ NEXT: Coke and cannabis found in black bags during 7.30am raid on Glasgow home READ NEXT: Thug with 36 previous convictions almost killed man with '4 to 5 inches' knife The study is one of 14 to have received funding and support from the UK Government and industry through the Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder Feasibility Studies (FS) Competition, delivered by Innovate UK and Zenzic. The team will gather and analyse key data sets, develop a robust safety case and engage a wide range of stakeholders, from local transport providers and businesses to academic and third-sector partners. The project's aim is to 'design a commercially viable autonomous bus service that meets the real needs of the people of Glasgow'. GAMMA project to explore self-driving bus service in Glasgow (Image: NQ/Colin Mearns) Ash Dowler, Senior Innovation & Net Zero Consultant, DG Cities, said: 'This project is an exciting step towards understanding how autonomous buses can truly serve Glasgow's people and places. 'As a consultancy which has helped cities across the UK harness the potential of new technology and data to improve the lives of residents, we are keen to explore how we can work with our partners, including Glasgow City Council, to tackle some of the biggest social and environmental challenges facing those who live, visit and work in the city. It's fantastic to kick off this important work with such a great team.' The Feasibility Studies (FS) Competition is part of the £150million CAM Pathfinder programme, which was announced in the UK Government's Industrial Strategy. The UK Government sees a thriving CAM ecosystem as being key to driving innovation and helping it realise its ambition of creating a £40bn CAM sector and over 6,500 jobs in the industry by 2040. Mark Cracknell, Programme Director at Zenzic, said: 'We are thrilled to announce the GAMMA project, spearheaded by DG Cities, ZF and Admiral Insurance, as one of the fourteen exciting CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies taking place across the UK. 'The deployment of Connected and Automated Mobility solutions in our towns and cities holds incredible promise - enhancing accessibility, reducing emissions, and fostering a transport network that is both reliable and inclusive. The GAMMA project will serve as a pivotal example in showcasing those benefits. 'We are looking forward to working with the project consortia as they further develop their business case, demonstrate the commercial readiness of the service, and provide vital insight into the opportunities presented by the deployment of CAM solutions in regions throughout the UK."
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Mobility for cities of tomorrow focuses on sustainable transport in Madhya Pradesh
At the Madhya Pradesh Growth Conclave on Friday, a pivotal session was conducted on 'Mobility for Cities of Tomorrow', focusing on sustainability, emission reduction, affordability, and accessibility of public transport . The speakers discussed current transport facilities in India, innovations, and alternatives to fuel-run vehicles, including electric, hydrogen, and ethanol options. They also explored routes like waterways and airways to divert traffic from the roads. Additionally, they addressed ways to reduce pollution, costs, and accidents while integrating modern infrastructure to ensure end-to-end connectivity. There was a strong emphasis on increasing the use of electric vehicles , including heavy vehicles that contribute significantly to pollution. Therefore, the number of sellers (manufacturers and dealers) must be increased through incentives and other means. The speakers informed about the govt's incentive to boost the sale of electric vehicles. Furthermore, the speakers highlighted crowd management as a priority, including at bus and railway stations, ensuring adequate use of road space by removing encroachments and illegal parking, increasing women's participation in the system for gender equality, and the proper use of data. They also encouraged not hesitating in experiments, innovations, and the use of modern technologies to improve the traffic and transport system. They stressed that experiments are underway to produce hydrogen and ethanol-run vehicles, but it will take time to build the required infrastructure and integrate technologies for them. MP Metro Rail Corporation Limited MD Krishna Chaitanya mentioned that some ropeway projects are underway in MP, along with Metro Train projects in Indore and Bhopal. However, he noted that water routes for transportation are yet to be fully explored in MP and, thus, are not currently part of considerable plans for the mobility of the near future.
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
City of Johannesburg takes a stand for clean air
#PauseAndBreathe is more than a one-day activation On Saturday, 28 June, the City of Johannesburg, in collaboration with the pioneering Breathe Cities initiative, hosted the #PauseAndBreathe campaign across the city and with a flagship Hike for the Environment at Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort. Even as a cold front gripped Joburg, the sun broke through to warm residents who gathered to pause, breathe and take a collective stand for cleaner air. The Hike for the Environment formed part of Youth Month celebrations and included a guided nature walk, youth-led environmental exhibits and interactive learning experiences. Among the 200 attendees were representatives from Pikitup; student volunteers from the University of Johannesburg; South African Institute of International Affairs air quality youth ambassadors; the Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment; ward councillors; members of the Johannesburg Junior Council; and the Junior MMC for Environment. Attendees showed strong community interest in air quality issues, and the conversation gained momentum online as people shared images and messages using #PauseAndBreathe, #CleanAirJozi and #JoburgCares to amplify the call for immediate action. At 12pm, participants at Kloofendal paused mindfully to show support for clean air for all Joburgers. All music and activity stopped for a brief moment, and breathing coach Marj Murray of Breathwork Africa led a guided breathing exercise. Across the city, residents also joined in, at home with family, at work or outdoors, sharing reflections and photos online. In the lead-up to the day, Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero said, 'Air pollution is not just a global environmental issue – it's a public health emergency. In Johannesburg, we witness its effects most sharply during the winter months, especially in our most vulnerable communities. As Executive Mayor, I'm committed to mobilising the full resources of the city to take bold, decisive action that will clean our air, protect our health and secure a better quality of life for every resident.' Johannesburg MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Jack Sekwaila, who took part in the Kloofendal event, said: 'This day is about accountability – facing the environmental challenges head-on and standing together to come up with solutions that are not only sustainable, but are just, inclusive and empowering. We must work together as residents to phase out harmful practices and adopt cleaner technologies and put people's health first.' Everest mountaineer and expedition leader Sibusiso Vilane supported the campaign and shared on X, 'I fully support the #PauseAndBreathe campaign for #CleanAirJozi. Clean air is essential for all life, everywhere. It is the breath of our existence, foundational to our health, ecological balance and well-being.' The Kloofendal event also served as the official release of a new polling report supported by the City of Johannesburg and Breathe Cities: Defining a Clean Air Zone for Johannesburg. According to the report, 92% of surveyed Joburg residents are concerned about air quality, and 78% of people living with illnesses believe their conditions are linked to the quality of the air they breathe. Johannesburg is one of 14 cities supported by Breathe Cities, a programme delivered by the Clean Air Fund, C40 Cities and Bloomberg Philanthropies to help cities reduce air pollution through data-driven strategies and community collaboration. As part of Breathe Cities, the city has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing air quality solutions and continuing public engagement. #PauseAndBreathe is more than a one-day activation. It marks the start of an ongoing programme of activities and awareness campaigns by the City of Johannesburg to improve air quality and involve residents in long-term change. Three key initiatives are already underway: A new study will identify the main sources of air pollution and highlight which areas of Johannesburg are most exposed. This will help the city design smarter, more focused interventions. South Africa's first real-world vehicle emissions testing campaign begins in July. Focusing on the transport sector, it will assess Joburg's vehicle fleet and identify the types of vehicles and areas responsible for the highest emissions. The findings will inform future policy to reduce transport-related pollution. A health risk assessment will quantify the impact of air pollution on residents. It will provide clearer links between air quality and public health and support stronger actions to protect communities. Residents can learn more about clean air initiatives and how to get involved by following the city's social media pages and official website.
Forbes
19-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
6 Economic Wins America Is Missing By Underinvesting In Black Entrepreneurs Across Major Cities: This Juneteenth & Beyond
As cities take on the challenge of reducing inequality, building stronger communities, driving ... More economic growth, and securing their future, closing the Black business gap should be a core part of the strategy. By investing in Black entrepreneurs, America doesn't just close racial equity gaps, it can generate massive economic opportunity across U.S. cities for residents. Juneteenth marks a moment to reflect not just on emancipation, but on the long-standing gaps in access to economic freedom and opportunity. Today, those barriers are clearly visible in how Black-owned businesses remain underfunded, underrepresented, blocked, and disconnected from the full promise of prosperity and the American dream despite contributing for generations to every engine that makes the nation run, from innovation to infrastructure, culture (including widely used language like AAVE) to commerce. According to a 2024 analysis and research by the Brookings Institution, if Black-owned businesses reached parity with the Black population in each U.S. metro area, the national economy would see millions of new jobs, billions in additional wages, and trillions in potential revenue. The data published is a compelling call to action for smarter economic policy: achieving equity in business ownership isn't just moral; it's a strategy for widespread growth. If local governments prioritized data-driven strategies to increase equity by expanding programs and resources that help more Black residents within their current populations become business owners, cities would gain more jobs, higher wages, stronger local economies, and billions in new revenue. Here are six clear economic wins the U.S. is missing by failing to equitably invest in Black entrepreneurship: 1. Job Creation at a Transformational Scale Cities like Detroit, New York, and Jackson show the power of equitable investment. In Detroit, for example, parity in Black-owned businesses could yield an estimated 466,000+ new jobs. In Jackson, the figure tops 388,000 new jobs. Across all major metros, Black businesses consistently show high job-generation potential when properly resourced. 2. Billions in Additional Wages for Local Economies If Black businesses in Los Angeles alone reached population parity, they would contribute $7.1 billion in new wages. In Memphis, parity could yield $4 billion; New York would gain $22.2 billion. That's real money reinvested into communities, fueling everything from better housing to healthcare, education, neighborhood development, and local business ecosystems that residents can enjoy. 3. Increased Revenue Power and Economic Multiplier Effects Across cities, many Black businesses often operate with fewer resources and are under-capitalized, yet still manage to outperform expectations and deliver real impact to the communities they serve. In Boston, parity could bring $12.9 billion in additional revenue. In Miami, $30.4 billion. Nationwide, the numbers are even more staggering. Closing the business equity gap would have an unprecedented and miraculous ripple effect that boosts GDP, generates tax revenue, and strengthens supply chains. Benefits can also extend beyond our borders, strengthening trade partnerships and indirectly supporting economies in other countries interconnected through global markets. 4. Smart Use of Economic Strengths & Talent in Emerging Metro Areas Places like Columbia, SC, and Virginia Beach, VA, with high Black populations but low representation in business ownership, are missing out. Columbia could gain 138,000+ jobs and over $13 billion in revenue. Virginia Beach would see $6.2 billion in additional revenue. That's untapped potential sitting in plain sight. 5. Reversing Generational Economic Disparities Black entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers to capital, credit, and mentorship, a direct legacy of discriminatory policy. Equitable investment in these businesses and the supporting policies still need to be built on frameworks that address long-standing structural barriers limiting American economic growth, along with tools to measure progress effectively. To date, such comprehensive frameworks and measurement tools have been largely absent, perpetuating missed opportunities, economic instability, and slowing progress toward equity. 6. Shared Prosperity for the Entire Nation Closing the Black business gap through smarter, tailored, and more specific economic policies doesn't just benefit Black communities. Every dollar in revenue, wages, or jobs created has a multiplier effect and is a net positive for both the local and American economy. Equitable entrepreneurship strengthens the middle class and brings more innovation, diversity, jobs, and educational opportunities to the industries and communities that need them most. WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 20: A Juneteenth flag is raised during the Celebration of Juneteenth at the ... More African American Civil War Memorial event on Monday June 20, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images) This Juneteenth, the social and economic case for equity remains undeniable. It's time to move beyond performative posts and cultural awareness toward meaningful action by advocating for policies and practices that close the wealth gap and drive economic revitalization with far-reaching benefits for all communities. Investing in Black entrepreneurs is not a niche cause; it is a smart, scalable economic strategy. As cities seek to address inequality, raise quality of life, stimulate growth, and future-proof their economies, closing the Black business gap must be central. This requires understanding the history of multi-generational Black America and building solutions that acknowledge and address these realities through new systems and processes. The data is clear, and the opportunity is real. This holiday and beyond, we have the chance to come together and build a future where equity and morality open the door to new opportunities.
