DOT challenges cities to envision future transportation

The Department of Transportation is challenging cities to envision how new technologies and data can improve the movement of people and goods.

The department is offering up to $30 million to the midsized city that comes up with the best plan. Vulcan Inc., a company started by Microsoft founder Paul G. Allen, is kicking in another $10 million. Cities are expected to show how their plans will reduce congestion, keep travelers safe, protect the environment, respond to climate change and benefit the economy.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said self-driving cars, cars that communicate with each other to enhance safety and speed traffic flows and electric vehicles may be some of the technologies cities will consider.

But he emphasized that cities will have wide latitude regarding the technologies they embrace.

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