Smart cities and vehicles: Optimizing transportation in urban areas

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 1, 2023

Smart cities are urban areas that use technology to improve the quality of life for their citizens, and one area where this technology is being increasingly applied is transportation. These innovative cities are being optimized for cars in several ways, and vice versa, as autonomous and connected vehicles become a reality.

Smart cities for cars context 

As smart cities and autonomous vehicles continue to evolve, there will likely be a shift toward a more sustainable and efficient transportation system. This trend could reduce the number of personal cars on the road and encourage greater reliance on shared and public transportation options. It could also decrease the number of accidents and injuries, making cities safer. 

There are already several examples of smart cities that are embracing the partnership between smart cities and cars. In Singapore, for example, the government has invested heavily in autonomous vehicle technology and started deploying autonomous bus routes in 2021. In the US, the state of Arizona has also been at the forefront of autonomous vehicle development, with several companies testing self-driving vehicles on its roads.

One way that smart cities are being optimized for cars is through the use of connected infrastructure, also known as the Internet of Things (IoT). This system includes deploying sensors and other technologies that can communicate with vehicles on the road, providing real-time information on traffic conditions, road closures, and other crucial information. This feature allows vehicles to optimize their routes and avoid congestion, improving the overall flow of traffic and reducing emissions. In November 2020, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted new rules to enhance automotive safety by reserving a part of the radio spectrum for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) services and designating Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) as the technology standard for safety-related transportation and vehicular communications. 

Disruptive impact 

Smart traffic signals that can communicate with vehicles can improve efficiency by adapting to traffic patterns and eliminating the need for costly roadside sensors. Emergency services vehicles and first responders can also benefit from C-V2X technology, which can allow them to clear a route through traffic and respond to emergencies more efficiently. Smart cities are dynamic and involve all road users, including pedestrians and vehicles. 

However, a major challenge in implementing efficient communications between smart cities and cars is ensuring cybersecurity. A potential solution is public key cryptography, which allows vehicles to authenticate each other and ensure that the signals received are genuine. In-vehicle security will also be a concern, as modern vehicles contain components provided by multiple suppliers, and the in-vehicle communications network lacks security measures due to cost considerations. Ensuring the security of data being communicated, including encrypting and authenticating information, is also important to prevent attacks and ensure that public transportation is not disrupted. 

To ensure the seamless deployment of smart transportation device collaborations, governments will likely implement regulations to oversee developments in this space. For example, in 2017, Germany passed a law allowing the use of automated driving systems and enabling drivers to divert their attention from traffic. In March 2021, the government proposed a new draft bill on autonomous driving, focusing on the large-scale operation of fully independent shuttles on public roads in clearly identified areas. 

Implications of smart cities for cars 

Wider implications of smart cities for cars may include:

• A more optimized traffic flow, which can reduce congestion and accidents, and improve overall efficiency. At a population level, individual citizens can spend their saved transport time toward other purposes.


• Smart cities and autonomous vehicles collaborating to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, leading to a more sustainable transportation system.


• Autonomous vehicles providing more accessible transportation options for people with disabilities and the elderly, which can help to improve mobility for all community members.


• Smart cities and autonomous vehicles generating a vast amount of data that can be used to improve transportation planning, urban design, and other aspects of city management.


• Increasing incidents of cyber hacking of smart cities and cars to disrupt essential services or gain access to sensitive information.

Questions to comment on

• What are some examples of smart city projects in your area that have improved mobility and accessibility for all road users?


• How else can this partnership between smart cities and autonomous cars make life easier for urban dwellers?