How AI Can Improve Public Transit

In a piece for RT Insights, Syed Mansoor Pasha outlines the various ways artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming public transit and helping transit agencies better understand their riders’ needs and how to provide more efficient service.

According to Pasha, “This technological leap is enabling public transit systems to adapt intelligently to individual preferences and real-time demands, heralding a new era of dynamic and responsive transportation.” In London, Project Luna uses AI to provide transit information to people with hearing impairments, offering digital information in British Sign Language.

Using AI, agencies can perform more accurate passenger counting so they can effectively manage their fleet and staffing. AI can also help detect anomalies in system operations more quickly.

As Pasha points out, “The backbone of these AI technologies in public transit is onboard internet connectivity, which facilitates real-time data transfer and enables seamless communication both within the vehicle and to and from the cloud.” On-board connectivity can reduce the amount of energy needed to process data and essentially turn trains into “rolling data centers.”