Coord, a curb management company, announced yesterday the launch of its second annual Digital Curb Challenge, a free curb space management pilot program to better manage loading in their cities. Cities and other curb managers such as universities, airports, private developments, health systems, and conference centers in North America are encouraged to apply now through Feb. 15. Up to three cities will be selected.

In a statement, Coord recognized the new mobility solutions cities and businesses enacted as a result of the pandemic, such as creating more space for delivery and pickup activity to creating new safe spaces for walking, biking, and commerce. 

“This diversification of curbside activity comes as delivery activity skyrockets, creating a need to ensure goods loading can still occur safely and efficiently,” the organization stated. “The Digital Curb Challenge 2021 launches in this unique context, seeking to enable cities and other curb managers to enlist new strategies and technologies that not only help them to recover today, but that also provide a foundation for success for years to come.” 

Smart Zones, powered by Coord’s technology, enable commercial drivers to use their mobile devices to locate nearby available loading zones and to hold, book, and pay for time in them. Smart Zones are designed to make it easier for businesses to receive supplies and fulfill customer requests for deliveries. This more streamlined experience will reduce safety and congestion problems, such as double-parking and blocked pedestrian access, according to Coord.

Cities or organizations selected for the Digital Curb Challenge will have free access to Coord’s full suite of curb management tools for the duration of the partnership and the opportunity to work closely with Coord experts to develop an effective, scalable pilot program to be deployed in 2021. 

In the first Digital Curb Challenge, Coord partnered with Aspen, Nashville, Omaha and West Palm Beach to design and deploy Smart Zone programs. Over 30 fleets, including a mix of local and regional businesses and national brands such as US Foods, FedEx, Frito Lay, Sysco and UNFI, are using Smart Zones in those cities. 

In this pilot, Coord is looking for cities to incorporate new system features such as variable pricing, greater automation, and the ability to deploy Smart Zones in public spaces beyond the curb, such as alleyways.