Support for Columbus, Ohio, selected for the U.S. Department of Transportation Smart City Challenge
Public transportation smart cards are scheduled to be introduced to build a more intelligent urban transportation system.

NXP Semiconductors announced that it is providing advanced technology to Columbus, Ohio, which was selected for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Smart City Challenge.

NXP provides Columbus with the latest technologies, including advanced automotive communication solutions, RFID tagging technology, and smart card ICs. In collaboration with Columbus, NXP supports the application of wireless technology that enables vehicles to safely exchange data to prevent accidents and improve traffic flow, as well as the application of smart card IC chips that allow both credit card and cash-using passengers to use public transportation quickly and conveniently.

The Smart City Challenge is a nationwide competition that awards $50 million to a mid-sized U.S. city selected by the Department of Transportation. The award recognizes innovative community ideas for developing future internet-connected cities and addressing transportation infrastructure challenges caused by population growth. Additionally, Columbus, the winner, will receive a wide range of advanced smart city technologies from NXP and other program partners.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx stated, “Advanced technologies like NXP’s will help realize the vision of Columbus by providing the core technologies needed to develop America’s first true smart city.” “Smart transportation, identity verification, and authentication solutions are essential elements for building enhanced transfer and transportation systems for the future and will create new opportunities. Through these innovative technologies, vehicles can communicate with each other, enabling not only accident avoidance but also smarter infrastructure for the city. As a result, Columbus residents will be guaranteed a securely connected experience and smoother traffic flow,” he said.

Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther stated, “It is an honor to be selected for this competition. We are very pleased to introduce NXP’s innovative, cutting-edge technology, which will help create a safer and more efficient city for our residents. With the help of an outstanding partner like NXP, Columbus has embarked on a journey to build a world-class model that will bring the city of the future to life.”

Together with partners such as Delphi and Siemens, NXP demonstrated Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology at a presentation held at the Douglas Community Center. Reporters, senior officials, and Columbus citizens in attendance were able to watch NXP’s RoadLINK V2X technology in action.

Rick Clemmer, CEO of NXP, stated, “The proposal for the Columbus Smart City competition contains a clear, forward-looking vision to create a beautiful, healthy, and prosperous local community for all residents. This vision is what NXP’s smart city solutions aim to achieve. We are proud that NXP’s secure, intelligent traffic management solutions and smart public transport solutions are playing a pivotal role in Columbus’s plans.” “NXP sincerely congratulates Columbus on winning the Smart City Challenge and looks forward to collaborating with the other six finalist municipalities to carry out their smart city plans,” said NXP.