
Aarian Marshall
Staff Writer
Aarian Marshall writes about autonomous vehicles, transportation policy, urban planning, and everyone’s favorite topic: How to destroy traffic. (You can’t, really.) She’s an aspiring bike commuter and New Yorker going soft on San Francisco, where she’s based. Before WIRED, Marshall wrote for The Atlantic’s CityLab, GOOD, and Agri-Pulse, an agriculture trade publication.
New York Taxi Drivers Hated Uber. Now They’re Going to Help It
After almost a decade of animosity and lawsuits, cabbies might help Uber weather a labor shortage—and take a bite out of the competition.
California’s Plan to Electrify Uber and Lyft Doesn’t Add Up
A 2030 target for electric vehicles to dominate ride-hailing is a lofty goal. But it’s the drivers, not the companies, who may have to foot the bill.
It’s a Perfect Time for EVs. It’s a Terrible Time for EVs
Gas prices are up, commutes are back, and Russian oil is under sanction. Too bad the electric vehicle industry isn’t ready to seize the moment.
In Ukraine, Online Gig Workers Keep Coding Through the War
The country is a large supplier of contract labor through platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr. The ongoing crisis with Russia exposes weaknesses in that system.
Why Cities Want Old Buildings Taken Down Gently
A growing number of US cities are adopting “deconstruction” policies that involve taking structures apart by hand in the name of sustainability.
The Psychology of Placing EV Chargers Along Roads Less Traveled
Just seeing a map of charging stations in rural areas can help alleviate “range anxiety”—and help get more EVs on the streets.
A Fight Over the Right to Repair Cars Turns Ugly
In the wake of a voter-approved law, Subaru and Kia dealers in Massachusetts have disabled systems that allow remote starts and send maintenance alerts.
The Feds Plan to Reduce Roadway Deaths—With Smarter Road Design
The US Department of Transportation wants to shift the focus from the actions of individual drivers to the role of street layouts and local policies.
Wait, So Where Will Urbanites Charge Their EVs?
Homeowners with garages can easily charge their electric cars, but not apartment dwellers. Here's what it'll take to get plugs everywhere in cities.
Cities Want Ebikes to Stay in Their Lane—but Which One?
From New York to Moab, Utah, bicyclists and municipal officials are divided over whether ebikes should be permitted on bicycle trails.
You May Be Able to Own a Self-Driving Car After All
For years, automakers focused on using autonomous technology for “robotaxis,” akin to a shared Uber. A GM announcement this week shows that’s changing.
Public Transit Systems Refocus on Their Core Riders
In the wake of the pandemic, officials are shifting bus and rail service toward lower-income neighborhoods, while some agencies are eliminating fares.
The US Is Gently Discouraging States From Building New Highways
A memo issued Thursday urges states to fix roads before constructing new ones, and to consider climate-friendly projects like bike lanes.
DoorDash Joins the Instant Delivery Game—With Employees
For a new service in Manhattan, the couriers will cross paths with the company's traditional gig worker contractors, who generally aren't eligible for benefits.
These Startups Deliver Groceries Fast—Without Gig Workers
Facing a tight labor market and even tighter schedules, some companies are hiring employees, with benefits.
Used EVs Are in Hotter Demand Than Ever
Congress is now considering a tax credit that could help low- and moderate-income buyers go electric.
The Infrastructure Bill: 5 Key Takeaways
Pedestrians and transit systems will benefit from the $1.2 trillion plan. So will the nation's broadband networks and climate change measures.
Cars Are Going Electric. What Happens to the Used Batteries?
Used electric vehicle batteries could be the Achilles' heel of the transportation revolution—or the gold mine that makes it real.
These Batteries Can't Power a Car—but They Can Light a City
Entrepreneurs are devising innovative ways to reuse spent electric vehicle batteries. One promising idea is storing power from solar and wind farms.
With Subscriptions, Automakers Mimic Netflix’s Playbook
GM thinks consumers might pay $135 a month for emergency assistance, enhanced maps, and software-enabled upgrades that boost acceleration.