Norway will install the world’s first wireless electric car charging stations for Oslo taxis. The taxis can be charged as they wait in what’s known as a taxi rank, or a slow-moving queue where cabs line up to wait for passengers. LINK
Colorado ski resorts have launched a carpooling app to reduced traffic to the lifts as an attempt to increase the number of skiers. LINK
Uber charges more if they think you’re willing to pay more. Uber thinks you’re willing to pay more when your battery is about to die. And Uber knows when your battery is about to die. LINK
Designated Driver is a Portland-based startup that has created a system where a trained and skilled human driver can remotely monitor driverless cars. Drivers take control of the vehicle if it is under duress or malfunctions. LINK
During a 24-hour strike of the Berlin transit system, about 140 subway cars or 10 percent of the subway fleet were spray-painted with graffiti. The union representing subway workers has distanced itself from the “vandalism.” LINK
REPORT: Daydreaming is the number-one distraction noted in fatal crashes. And Saturdays in September are the biggest days for fatal car crashes involving daydreaming while driving LINK
STUDY: Pregnant women who commute long distances to work everyday risk having babies born premature and underweight. Many of the pregnant women who were long-distance commuters went to fewer prenatal doctor appointments; perhaps because they didn’t have time after working and commuting all day to go for regular checkups. LINK
- FLASHBACK: Long distance commuting increases the chances of divorce or separation.A Swedish study found that the first five years of long-distance commuting seemed to be the most destructive time for relationships. LINK
Smart is getting new ownership in a new deal between current parent Daimler and China’s Geely Holding. The two companies announced they are forming a joint venture to run Smart, in which each holds a 50 percent stake. Daimler has owned Smart entirely since 1998. LINK
- FLASHBACK: Smart looks to be on the chopping block at Daimler… again. According to “a company insider,” Daimler’s new CEO, Ola Kallenius, who succeeds Dieter Zetsche in May, has “no history with Smart” and “no scruples about killing the brand if necessary.” Research agency Evercore ISI estimates that Smart currently loses $565 million to $792 million annually. LINK
The City of New Orleans is offering discounts through a ride-sharing service for families trying to get to juvenile court. LINK
Michigan boy, 12, fed up with potholes, decides to fix them himself. He used a shovel and dirt from his backyard to even out the road. LINK
- FLASHBACK: Make Potholes Great Again!! Artist raises $13,182 to fill NYC potholes with mosaics of pigeons, flowers & Trump. LINK
- FLASHBACK: Domino’s Pizza is paying to fill potholes …. then advertising on them. Cities do not dig up ad-holes. LINK
