Latest news with #sustainabletransportation
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
‘Jeopardy!' star Ken Jennings is hosting a miniseries about the history of public transit
In September 2024, Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings took a brief interlude from taping one of America's most iconic game shows to film another series: a YouTube show about the history of public transit, set in his local county of Snohomish, Washington. The show, called The Transit Effect, is a seven-part series that examines why public transit matters, diving into everything from infrastructure and economic growth to access to work, school, and healthcare. It's the brainchild of Community Transit, a public transportation agency in Washington's Snohomish County, just north of Seattle. The show's first episode is now available on YouTube and on Community Transit's website, with the remaining installments slated to drop over the coming months and into 2026. Starting with the electric streetcars of the 1920s, The Transit Effect maps how American communities have been shaped by public transit—and, amid today's notoriously car-centric American infrastructure, it presents a thesis for investing in more sustainable transportation options. The show is especially timely, given the Trump administration's current crackdown on renewable energy and support for various fossil fuel industry projects. 'We hope viewers come away with a deeper appreciation for how much public transit shapes daily life—even if they never set foot on a bus,' says Community Transit public information officer Monica Spain. 'If this series sparks someone to think, 'I had no idea transit did all that,' or nudges them to take a ride instead of drive, that's a win.' How Snohomish County's 'Community Transit' snagged Ken Jennings Rory Graves is a senior marketing copywriter at Community Transit who helped develop and write The Transit Effect. She says that, when the idea for the show first came about, the team knew the series would need to be anchored by a host who was both familiar and trustworthy to a wide range of audiences. It wasn't a new challenge for the agency: In 2024, Community Transit partnered with American travel writer Rick Steves—who has lived in Edmonds, Washington (a city inside Snohomish County) since 1967— on another educational transit series. For The Transit Effect, Graves thought Jennings, another longtime Edmonds resident, could be the perfect fit. 'We wanted to find someone who was a trusted source of information to do that storytelling. Who better than Ken Jennings?' Graves says. In 2004, Jennings won 74 consecutive games of Jeopardy!, the longest winning streak in the show's history, before becoming its host in 2021. Beyond his impressive credentials, Jennings also has a personal connection to Community Transit: As a college student, Jennings frequently rode the agency's buses between his family's home in Edmonds and the University of Washington. Today, he lives in Seattle. After Community Transit reached out to him over email, Jennings readily agreed to host The Transit Effect. But there was a small catch. Given Jennings' tight schedule, the entire seven-part series had to be filmed in just four hours—a feat that required extensive preparation and multiple dry runs to 'test every piece of equipment, walk through the setup, and build in redundancies,' Graves says. 'We don't have a huge budget like Amazon or Coca-Cola for our campaigns, but Ken was happy to collaborate with us, and we're thankful for that.' Exploring how public transit shaped America as we know it To give viewers a peek behind the curtain at the history of public transit, The Transit Effect is organized into sub-10-minute episodes by themes. Episode 1, for example, details how '20s era streetcars, electric trolleys, and subway systems determined how major American cities expanded; episode 3 dives into the environmental impact of public transit compared to travel by car; and episode 6 explains how public transit can serve as a vital lever of accessibility for kids, the elderly, those with disabilities, and those without access to a vehicle. Throughout the series, Jennings refers to local examples to help illustrate this history—like in episode 1, which notes how the expansion of the Link light rail, a train system in the Seattle area that opened in 2009, has roots that extend back by more than 100 years. 'Everyone's talking about Link light rail expansion, but did you know our region had electric mass transit more than a century ago?' Graves says. 'The old Interurban Trolley once ran along the same route we now know as the Interurban Trail. We often treat electric transit like it's brand new, but it's actually part of our history. What's fascinating is how long cleaner, electric options have existed—and how car-centric planning pushed them aside.' Another surprising tidbit explored in the show is how public transit shaped the musical world. The series highlights how New York City's subway system helped make Harlem a cultural epicenter for Black Americans in the '20s and '30s, attracting the musicians that would ultimately bring the Harlem Renaissance to life. 'It's wild to think that something as everyday as a transit system could set off a domino effect that helped launch the careers of artists whose legacies have helped define modern music,' Graves says. Through these stories, Spain says, Community Transit hopes to help viewers understand how 'public transportation shapes communities and removes barriers to opportunity,' and to encourage community members to invest in their local public transit systems. 'More than anything, we want people to see transit not just as a service, but as a powerful force for good in our region,' Spain says.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Hyundai UAE delivers hybrid vehicles to Tawasul in support of the UAE's green mobility vision
Juma Al Majid L.L.C, the exclusive distributor of Hyundai in the UAE, officially handed over several Azera Hybrid vehicles to Tawasul Limousine for Luxury Cars, during a recent ceremony. This step underscores the two organisations' shared commitment to supporting the UAE's ambitious vision for sustainable transportation in the region. The event embodied a strategic cooperation that reflects the shared values of innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence embraced by both parties, in complete harmony with the UAE's aspirations to consolidate its leading position in the field of innovative, environmentally friendly transportation solutions. As an active player in the country's green mobility transformation, Hyundai Emirates continues to support stakeholders in the public and private sectors by offering hybrid solutions that contribute to reducing emissions and enhancing fleet efficiency. Tawasul Limousine's choice to integrate the Azera Hybrid into its premium fleet represents a practical manifestation of its forward-looking approach to sustainable transportation. The company is known for its luxury transportation services for VIPs, executives, and tourists throughout the emirate of Abu Dhabi, with a firm commitment to comfort, quality, and environmental responsibility, in line with Integrated Transport Centre regulations. Suliman Al Zaben, Director of Hyundai UAE, expressed his pride in this collaboration, saying: 'This delivery represents a significant new milestone in our commitment to sustainability and smart mobility. The Azera Hybrid embodies the essence of our innovations, combining luxury, advanced technology, and fuel efficiency. By partnering with forward-thinking transportation providers like Tawasul Limousine, we are not only transforming vehicle fleets but also actively contributing to the UAE's long-term vision for a more sustainable future." This collaboration with Tawasul Limousine for Luxury Cars marks a new chapter in Hyundai UAE's ongoing support for eco-friendly vehicle fleets across the UAE, further strengthening the brand's leadership in clean mobility technologies. The addition of the Azera Hybrid to the fleet also highlights the growing trend in both the public and private transportation sectors toward sustainable solutions that combine comfort and performance efficiency. For his part, Ghena Jbour, from Tawasul Limousine, expressed his vision for this partnership, saying: 'We believe that sustainability is achieved through action. Our partnership with Hyundai UAE and the integration of the Azera Hybrid into our fleet echoes our commitment to environmentally responsible operations and our commitment to the future of future generations. The Hyundai Azera Hybrid will raise the bar for our services and is fully aligned with the UAE's sustainability and mobility goals.' The Hyundai Azera Hybrid features a 1.6-liter Gamma II hybrid engine with direct injection (GDI), generating a maximum power of 230 hp and 27 kg-m of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. The car's modern appearance and economic performance are complemented by the streamlined design of its 5,035 mm body and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Azera Hybrid also offers an advanced suite of safety and comfort features, including nine airbags, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a Hill Start Assist System (HSAS), a multi-collision braking system, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. In terms of comfort and luxury, the car includes a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control with a touchscreen, leather seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and an E-Call system (for emergency contact in the UAE), providing the ultimate standards in comfort and safety. As the UAE accelerates its efforts to achieve national sustainability goals, such partnerships play a vital role in building a smarter and more sustainable urban mobility system. Hyundai UAE affirms its ongoing commitment to supporting this trend through innovation, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision for a cleaner and more connected future.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt, Swedfund sign LOI to boost electricity, sustainable transport cooperation
Arab Finance: Egypt's Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the Swedish Development Finance Institution (Swedfund) to enhance joint efforts in the electric power and sustainable transportation sectors, as per a statement. The agreement was signed by Egyptian Planning Minister Rania Al-Mashat and Swedfund CEO Maria Håkansson during the Second Egyptian-Swedish Business Forum. The signing took place in the presence of Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan El-Khatib and Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dosa. Under the agreement, Swedfund will provide development grants for feasibility studies aimed at improving the efficiency and stability of Egypt's electricity grid. It will also finance advisory services for the country's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
ArabGT
6 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Electric Vehicle Adoption Accelerates Rapidly in the UAE
Electric vehicles in the UAE are witnessing significant growth, reinforcing the country's position as a regional force in sustainable transportation. In the first quarter of 2025, EV sales rose by as much as 45% compared to the same period last year, according to senior officials at leading automotive agencies. This surge reflects a fundamental shift in consumer behavior and market trends toward cleaner, more practical alternatives. Government Initiatives The ongoing success of electric vehicles in the UAE stems largely from the country's heavy investment in infrastructure. Dubai alone now hosts over 740 public charging stations, while the government has launched the UAEV initiative in partnership with the Federal Electricity and Water Authority to establish a nationwide network of 1,000 charging stations by 2030. These efforts have helped alleviate range anxiety and charging delays, fostering greater consumer confidence. The UAE is also supporting this transition with incentives such as free parking, standardized charging rates, and flexible financing, in addition to mandating that new real estate developments include EV charging infrastructure. The government aims for electric and hybrid vehicles to comprise 50% of all vehicles on the road by 2050, as part of its national strategy to achieve carbon neutrality. Expanding Model Lineups and Diverse Options With new electric models from brands like JAC, Audi, Cadillac, and BYD entering the UAE market, consumers now have a wide array of choices suited to different tastes and budgets. Al Habtoor recently launched the JAC E30X, while Audi Al Nabooda unveiled the RS e-tron GT Performance. Other agencies are preparing to introduce more electric models soon. Field studies show that two-thirds of UAE residents plan to switch to electric vehicles in the coming years. Major companies—including taxi and rental fleets—have already begun integrating EVs into their operations to meet sustainability goals and reduce emissions. This signals that electric vehicles in the UAE are becoming a serious option for both individuals and institutions. Despite the strong momentum, some challenges remain. These include the high initial costs of certain models and the limited availability of fast chargers outside major cities. Nevertheless, the government continues to support initiatives aimed at expanding infrastructure, developing the used EV market, and increasing public awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of owning an electric car. Electric vehicles in the UAE are no longer just an ambitious future concept—they are now a fast-moving reality. Driven by robust public-private collaboration, cutting-edge infrastructure, clear governmental support, and rising consumer interest, the UAE is steadily advancing toward its vision of becoming the region's capital of sustainable mobility.
CBC
24-05-2025
- General
- CBC
All aboard: Bike bus pilot to expand to more Charlottetown schools this fall
Charlottetown's "bike bus" pilot project is switching into a higher gear, a city official says. West Kent Elementary School and Lucy Maud Montgomery Public School have been participating in Charlottetown's supervised group bike ride program for the last three weeks, now that the weather is heating up. "Bike buses have been going on around the world for about 10 years and we thought it's time to bring them to Charlottetown," said Anna Keenan, the city's sustainable transportation officer. "It's just a way for kids to get to school riding bikes like they want to, but rather than being alone, they're in a group that's safe and that is accompanied by adult volunteers." While the first week was a little chaotic, Keenan said the processions got into a steadier routine by the second and third weeks this spring. "We've learned what we need to learn to make the program available to more schools in the fall," she said. The city eventually plans to expand the bike bus pilot project to include all schools in Charlottetown, Keenan said. But that will require more volunteers. 'Very empowering' The pilot project has been delivering benefits already, Keenan said. "I think it's very empowering for all of the kids to be participating," she said, noting that lots of children want to bike to school, but some parents don't feel comfortable letting them do so alone given the traffic. "Anybody who starts their day with a bike ride is going to be in a good mood that day, whether you're a kid or you're an adult," Keenan said. Students taking part in the bike bus are following a safe route to their schools, since the groups travel on pre-determined routes that are carefully planned by the city. The fleet travels on quiet streets and crosses major roads only once, at a spot with a crossing guard, Keenan said. There were no difficulties finding parent volunteers to participate, she said, adding that there are lots of keen cyclists in Charlottetown who are eager to join and ride with their kids. One parent drives the bus — so to speak — at the front of the line of cyclists, while another sweeps behind to ensure the group sticks together, Keenan said. Student experience The children participating in the bike bus program are in grades 1 through 6, Keenan said. Some of the older students are already strong cyclists, while younger students may be just learning. It was really fun biking in a big group. — Gemma Burnside Campbell, 6-year-old bike bus participant "I've visited the schools in the last couple of weeks and you can really see a growth in the kids who've just started cycling," Keenan said. "The skills that they've developed in just a couple of weeks [are] phenomenal." Gemma Burnside Campbell rides her bike with training wheels, but she said she hopes to get them taken off soon. "It was really fun biking in a big group," the six-year-old said. "It's kind of fun for the crowd to get bigger and bigger, but I don't really like stopping because I like to go fast." Going forward, there could potentially be two different bike buses at each school, Keenan said, possibly separating out grades 1 through 3 for one bus and grades 4 through 6 for another. "We're aiming for a slow and safe ride where people are together, and that has to be the goal for now," she said.
