Today's Transportation Pulse
Uber expands robotaxi rollout to Houston, targeting mid‑2027 launch
Uber, Nuro and Lucid have chosen Houston as the second city for their robotaxi service after the San Francisco Bay Area debut later this year. The fleet will consist of Lucid Gravity electric SUVs equipped with Nuro’s Level‑4 autonomous driving platform and will be accessed via the Uber app. Uber has secured a 50,000‑square‑foot depot in Houston for charging and maintenance.
Also developing:
By the numbers: US IDFC partners with Chubb on $20B maritime reinsurance plan
The NEVI Funds Are Finally Unfrozen, But The Administration’s Chaos Goes Unpunished
A federal judge in January 2026 ordered the release of the $5 billion NEVI program funds that had been frozen by the Trump administration. The thaw restores congressional appropriations for a nationwide EV charging network, but the year‑long pause forced states to scrap contracts and re‑launch procurement processes. States such as New Mexico, Arizona, Illinois and Minnesota now face delayed construction schedules, with some projects not starting until 2027. Despite the court victory, the administration faces no fines or penalties for the illegal freeze, leaving accountability concerns unresolved.
India Detains Tanker and Charges Captain After Fishing Boat Collision
Indian authorities detained the Panama‑flagged chemical tanker Solis after it collided with a fishing trawler off Kerala, leaving two fishermen missing and nine rescued. The incident occurred on March 7 near Vizhinjam, and the captain has been charged with negligent operation....
Nuro Is Testing Its Autonomous Vehicle Tech on Tokyo’s Streets
Nuro, the Silicon Valley startup known for low‑speed delivery bots, is testing its autonomous‑driving software on Tokyo’s public roads using Toyota Prius vehicles with human safety operators. The trial marks Nuro’s first overseas deployment and reflects its recent pivot from...
PM Modi Flags Off Six New Trains in Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off six new train services linking key cities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Four of the trains will run weekly, while the others operate daily or five days a week, with routes spanning from Nagercoil...
Ming Maa Warns: Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Creates Risky Dependency
Should autonomous vehicles be able to talk to each other? “NO” says Ming Maa , Founder/ CEO of Moove. Having self-driving cars talking to each other creates a dependency that the industry should not rely on! What do you think?...
The Newest E-Bikes Are More Powerful Than Ever. Does That Mean You’ll Need To License and Insure Your E-Bike Soon?
E‑bike manufacturers are rapidly escalating motor output, with upcoming drive units promising up to 1,500 watts and 150 Nm of torque—levels comparable to small gasoline scooters. Specialized’s recent over‑the‑air update already lifted its Turbo Levo 4 motor to 850 watts, signaling the start of a...
BermudAir Unveils Expanded Summer 2026 Schedule With 29 Weekly Flights
BermudAir announced its summer 2026 schedule, offering 29 weekly flights from nine North American gateways. The airline adds daily service from Boston and combined daily frequencies for the New York area, while Toronto sees six‑day‑a‑week operations. All flights use Embraer...
Coast Guard Icebreaker USCGC Polar Star Completes Antarctic Mission
The U.S. Coast Guard’s heavy icebreaker USCGC Polar Star completed its 50th commissioned year by executing the annual Deep Freeze mission in Antarctica. The vessel cleared a seven‑mile channel for the fuel‑laden tanker Stena Polaris and removed McMurdo’s iconic ice pier to accommodate...
When the Sky Closes: Nomads, Expats and the Gulf War Detours
Airspace over the Gulf has been closed or restricted due to the escalating conflict, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute flights through the region’s major hubs. The disruption has lengthened travel times, raised costs, and left thousands of expatriates and...
Delta Air Lines Is Planning Nonstop Los Angeles to Manila Flights for Summer 2027
Delta Air Lines announced plans to launch a daily nonstop flight between Los Angeles International Airport and Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport starting in summer 2027. The service will be operated with an Airbus A350‑900 configured with 32 Delta One,...
One Crash Could Freeze the Self‑Driving Industry
Here’s how one safety incident could crumble the self-driving car industry. Following the Cruise Incident (where a pedestrian was struck and dragged in San Francisco), or the Kit-Cat incident (where a Waymo killed a cat in San Francisco), even a...
Wayve Vehicle Spotted in Sunnyvale
Wayve’s autonomous‑driving team was observed operating a Ford Mustang Mach‑E equipped with its perception stack on a public road in Sunnyvale. The sighting occurred on March 11, 2026 at roughly 11:30 am PDT near the company’s headquarters and the southbound Central Expressway. The...
Commuters Stare at Phones While Train Stalls
There was a stopped Metra on the tracks on my way to work today. I looked at that red light above that conductors head worried, we slowly crawled passed him…. the other passengers on my train playing on their phones or...
Trump Urges Tanker Crews to Brave Hormuz Strait
Trump, 2 days ago: oil tanker crews should “show some guts” and sail through the Strait of Hormuz
Lufthansa Cargo Minimizes Delays During Pilot Strike
Lufthansa Cargo will operate more than 80% of its scheduled all‑cargo flights on Thursday and Friday despite a 48‑hour pilot strike over pension and pay demands. The carrier expects to maintain over 50% of its overall flight schedule, with long‑haul...
Delta Files Manila Route, Aiming to Stall PAL's Chicago Service
Delta Quietly Reveals Plan To Fly To Manila In DOT Filing — As It Tries To Delay Philippine Airlines Chicago Flight - View from the Wing https://t.co/EUw1i5SSNd
Carriers Regret Dumping Dubai Cargo in Salalah
Ocean carriers have been leaving containers bound for Dubai in the port of Salalah, Oman until the Strait of Hormuz reopens. They're regretting that decision right now.
How the Iran War Could Jack Up Prices on Store Shelves
The Iran‑driven conflict has effectively shut down traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that handles roughly half of the world’s oil tankers and a comparable share of container vessels. Disruption of Tier‑3 Middle Eastern suppliers—particularly chemicals, plastics, aluminum...
Reports of Tanker Attack in Southern Iraq
An oil tanker near Iraq's Umm Qasr port caught fire, with early reports indicating a possible direct attack on the vessel. Witnesses said multiple tankers were ablaze, suggesting a coordinated incident. The event adds to a series of recent assaults...
Route 66 Centennial Exhibit Opens March 14 at the National Museum of Transportation
On March 14, 2026 the National Museum of Transportation in Kirkwood, Missouri, will launch “Roads. River. Rooms. Reels.”, a special exhibition marking the 100‑year anniversary of Route 66. The show spotlights the highway’s influence on commerce, travel and entertainment, with a...
Airlines Keep Flying Despite War‑Shut Mideast Airports
As Airports Shut Across The Mideast, These Airlines Kept Flying After Losing Their Home Bases To War - View from the Wing https://t.co/uDdXcClpcS
Shipping Industry’s Small World Sparks Surprising Ship Recognition
The crazy thing about the shipping industry is how small it can be. At a shipowners conference right now and a guy is telling a crazy story about what happened to his ship in Oman. I say, “Was it this...
Mercedes Is Fear Mongering On EV Policies Again
Mercedes‑Benz CEO Ola Källenius warned the European Union that tightening auto‑emissions rules could destabilize the EU car market, urging policymakers to water down the planned 2035 ban on new gasoline and diesel sales. He framed the rapid shift to electric...
Shareholders of Canada’s Air Transat Stick to Strategic Plan
Air Transat’s shareholders have voted to maintain the airline’s current strategic plan, backing management’s restructuring agenda. The plan emphasizes fleet modernization with the first A321XLR slated for delivery in late 2027 and a focused reduction of underperforming U.S. routes. It...
UK Finds Fault in Planning and Medical Care on Cruise Ship in Severe Storm
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch released its report on the 2023 Spirit of Discovery incident, where a storm in the Bay of Biscay caused both propulsion pods to shut down, injuring over 100 passengers and leading to one death....
What To Expect From Amtrak’s New Airo Trains — Routes, Speed, And Amenities
Amtrak will introduce 83 new Airo trainsets between now and 2027, beginning with the Cascades route in the Pacific Northwest. The Airo cars can travel up to 125 mph, promising faster trips and reduced station dwell times. They feature modern amenities...
Hidden Threats May Already Be Arriving in Shipping Containers
What if they’re already here on a ship, in a shipping container, or being pulled by a truck? https://t.co/qpp4JjjVPz
Vegas Loop Has 11 Miles BUILT AND WAITING + Copperfield’s BIG EXIT & A Pretty A’s Stadium?
The Boring Company announced that 11 miles of its Vegas Loop tunnels are already constructed and are awaiting city approvals before they can be opened to the public. Meanwhile, legendary illusionist David Copperfield will end his 25‑year residency at the...
![Kia’s Cheapest EV Looks Like a Baby Seltos [Video]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/Kia-EV2-Seltos-electric.jpeg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Kia’s Cheapest EV Looks Like a Baby Seltos [Video]
South Korean automaker Kia is preparing to launch the EV2, its cheapest electric vehicle for Europe, this spring. Priced near €30,000, the compact crossover combines a boxy Seltos‑like silhouette with two battery options—42.2 kWh and 61 kWh—promising up to 281 miles WLTP...
Russia's Yamal LNG Maintains Focus on Exports to Europe
Yamal LNG, Russia’s Arctic liquefied natural gas project, has announced that its current cargoes will be shipped exclusively to European markets. This decision comes despite a surge in Asian demand driven by the Middle East conflict and the restart of...
Press Release: Asia-Pacific Carrier Acquires Refurbished Dash 8-400s
De Havilland Canada announced that an undisclosed Asia‑Pacific carrier has signed a purchase agreement for three refurbished Dash 8‑400 turboprops. The aircraft will be overhauled with upgraded cabins and modernized systems, with deliveries slated for 2027 and 2028. The deal reinforces...
Escalating Attacks Threaten Strait of Hormuz Disruption
The last 24 hours have brought the most sustained attacks from both sides since the conflict started. We could see this escalation spill into the Strait of Hormuz with mines and further maritime disruption. Full video analysis exclusively on...
Panasonic's Curved OLED IFE Targets First-Class Luxury
As premium travel surges, Panasonic Avionics’ curved, ultra-wide OLED IFE screen, Astrova Curve, is sparking the imagination of airlines that want to ‘wow’ passengers seated in their most premium real estate. PAC sees it debuting in first-class cabins. https://t.co/sXnCdZLfAw
G7 Explores Ship Escorts in Gulf as Middle East War Threatens Energy Supply Routes
G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Russia sanctions while confronting the ripple effects of the U.S.–Israeli conflict on Iran and global energy markets. They agreed to deepen coordination with Gulf partners to safeguard shipping lanes and stabilize oil supplies. A...
New Episodes Guide Travelers Through Middle East Airline Crisis
We’re live with two new episodes of On-Air in your podcast feeds now focusing on the Middle East crisis impacting airline passengers worldwide, advice for Gulf carrier bookings, refunds/reroute advice, extreme Asia-Europe fares, & more. 🎧✈️ Listen here: https://t.co/z0qO1zK32M
Travel Update: Strikes, Cancellations, New Asia-Europe Routes
12 Things in Travel Today: — Global Entry Travel Program Restored — Lufthansa Pilots Announce 48-Hour Strike — British Airways Cancels Middle East Flights — Airlines Add Direct Asia-Europe Routes + More https://t.co/Jo2IaZruVw
Explainer: How Global Shipping Is Financing China’s Navy without Knowing It
Global shipping’s reliance on Chinese Tier‑1 shipyards is simultaneously financing the People’s Liberation Army Navy. CSIS data shows these yards produce 40% of China’s commercial tonnage while building virtually every major warship, generating $165 billion in export revenue from 2019‑2024. Freight‑rate...
International Heavy Haul Association Announces Retirement of CEO Scott Lovelace and Appointment of Antonio Merheb as Successor
The International Heavy Haul Association announced the retirement of longtime CEO Scott Lovelace, honoring his decades of service to the global heavy‑haul rail community. The board unanimously appointed Antonio Merheb as the new CEO, effective March 11, 2026. Merheb brings a PhD and...
Hormuz Closure Could Redefine US‑Iran Power Balance
The Strait of Hormuz is turning into the key test of strength between the US and Iran. I've been thinking about what happens if it stays closed for an extended period. My conclusions might surprise you. https://t.co/mPXBo8HuqY
TD Cowen: Takeaways From the Next-Gen Freight Rail Conference
At the Railway Age Next‑Gen Freight Rail Conference, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern CEOs reaffirmed confidence that their proposed merger will satisfy regulators and deliver cost savings, while the Surface Transportation Board signaled a push to accelerate environmental permitting and...
FAA Steps Up Drone Enforcement in 2025
The FAA intensified drone enforcement in 2025, issuing fines and suspending or revoking licenses for unsafe and unauthorized flights near sporting events, emergency response operations, and restricted airspace. Penalties ranged from $1,771 to $36,770 across 18 violations, with the agency...
Porsche Plots ’Leaner’ Future as Full-Year Sales Slide
Porsche reported a 9.5% drop in 2025 sales to €36.27 billion and a 92.7% plunge in profit to $477.9 million, prompting a strategic reset. The automaker is accelerating its "Strategy 2035" plan, focusing on cost discipline, a "Value over Volume" mindset, and a...
Indiana Eyes Toll Bonds and a P3 for $6.5 Billion I-70 Project
Indiana has formally requested a federal waiver to toll Interstate 70, becoming the first state to seek permission under the FHWA’s pilot program. The six‑lane expansion and related upgrades carry a $6.5 billion price tag, with more than half expected to be...
Dassault Unveils Falcon 10X as First Flight Nears
Dassault Aviation has unveiled its new Falcon 10X business jet, positioning it as the company’s most ambitious entry into the ultra‑long‑range market. The clean‑sheet aircraft is slated for its first flight within weeks, marking the start of an intensive flight‑test campaign....
Vermont Resort Explains Why Multiple Ski Lifts Are Closed
Sugarbush Resort in Vermont announced that several key lifts on the Mt. Ellen side are out of service. The North Ridge chair suffered an electrical monitoring circuit fault, while the Green Mountain Express experienced a blown main fuse. The Slide...
LTL Segment Health Improving as Q1 Progresses
The less‑than‑truckload (LTL) market is showing a clear rebound in Q1 2026, highlighted by ArcBest’s tonnage per day rising 9.9% YoY in January and a 6% quarterly increase. ArcBest’s operating ratio is projected to improve by 100‑200 basis points, reflecting better...
The Political Narrative Around “Foreign-Owned Shipping Lines”
The term “foreign‑owned shipping lines” has entered political debates whenever freight rates spike or supply chains falter, suggesting that overseas carriers threaten national interests. In reality, the world’s largest container operators—MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag‑Lloyd, Evergreen and ONE—are privately held enterprises,...
Duffy Touts Safety Potential for Autonomous Vehicles
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a series of DOT regulatory moves aimed at creating a consistent national framework for autonomous vehicles, with a focus on safety and innovation. The agency approved updates to safety standards that strip away unnecessary requirements,...
British Man Powers DIY Car with Discarded Vapes
British YouTuber Chris Doel assembled a makeshift battery pack from more than 500 discarded disposable vapes, creating a 50‑volt, 2.5 kWh pack. The pack powered a 2000‑era Reva G‑Wiz electric car for 18 miles, reaching speeds near 40 mph. Doel’s build required...
Our Long-Term Mazda CX-90 Turbo S Came Up Short over 40,000 Miles
Mazda’s 2024 CX‑90 Turbo S Premium Plus combines a 340‑horsepower turbocharged inline‑six with three‑row seating, positioning it as a premium midsize SUV. Over a 40,000‑mile long‑term test the model showed modest improvements in acceleration, braking and skid‑pad grip, while fuel economy...