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NDOT and Automotus will implement Smart Loading Zones equipped with sensor technology to dynamically manage curbside loading activities. These zones will operate on a pay-by-the-minute basis with variable rates designed to incentivize turnover and off-peak usage, thereby reducing traffic congestion and double parking.
Key Benefits of Smart Loading Zones:
- Reduced Congestion: By encouraging off-peak loading and unloading, Smart Loading Zones will alleviate traffic congestion during peak hours, leading to smoother traffic flow and less frustration for drivers.
- Improved Safety and Support for Vision Zero Initiatives: Enhanced curb management reduces the risk of accidents and conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. This supports Nashville’s Vision Zero goals to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
- Increased Turnover: With dynamic pricing and efficient management, these zones will ensure higher turnover rates, making it easier for businesses to receive deliveries and improving accessibility for all users.
This project will build on the recommendations from the Connect Downtown study, a comprehensive action plan aimed at transforming the way Nashville manages its transportation network, with a focus on making downtown safer, more efficient, and more accessible for everyone. One of the key recommendations from the study is to enhance curb management through innovative solutions like Smart Loading Zones. By implementing these zones, NDOT is directly responding to the study’s findings and recommendations, addressing crucial issues such as congestion, safety, and curbside accessibility.
“Implementing Smart Loading Zones is a significant step towards a more efficient and safer downtown,” said Diana Alarcon, Director of NDOT. “This partnership with Automotus aligns perfectly with our objectives from the Connect Downtown study, addressing critical issues such as congestion, safety, and accessibility while promoting smarter urban mobility. Notably, this project will contribute to three of the five big moves outlined in the Connect Downtown Action Plan: improving safety, enhancing curb management, and reducing congestion.”
Automotus, a leader in curbside management technology, will provide the necessary infrastructure and software to support these smart zones. Their system uses advanced analytics and automates operations to ensure compliance and maximize the efficiency of curb use.
“We are thrilled to partner with NDOT and the city of Nashville on tackling growing challenges at the curb,” said Matt Brooker, Director of City Partnerships at Automotus. “Our Smart Loading Zones have a proven track record of improving urban mobility and sustainability, and we look forward to making a positive impact in Nashville.”
For more information about the Smart Loading Zones and the Connect Downtown curb management study, please visit nashville.gov/departments/transportation.
About Automotus:
Automotus is the leader in automated curb management, working with cities to make our communities safer, healthier and more accessible by addressing the unprecedented rise in commercial vehicle congestion and emissions. Automotus has developed a first-of-its-kind computer vision technology that’s deployed at the curb to enable automated Smart Loading Zones, which help cities, airports, fleets and small businesses manage curb activity, make data-driven policy decisions and incentivize electric vehicle adoption—all without the need for a parking app or kiosk.
About Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT):
The Nashville Department of Transportation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Nashville through the planning, development, and management of a safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation network.
Media Contacts:
Kelly Ferguson, Automotus Chief of Staff, [email protected]
Cortnye Stone, Director of Strategic Communications, Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT), [email protected]
For additional information, please visit nashville.gov/departments/transportation and automotus.co.
