AI in Public Transportation

Public transportation agencies face growing pressure to improve service reliability, strengthen safety, respond to changing travel patterns, and meet the needs of diverse communities. AI offers new opportunities to address these challenges, but realizing its potential requires public professionals to understand where it can add value, how to evaluate its effectiveness, and what safeguards are needed for responsible adoption.

This introductory, three-part workshop series will help public professionals explore practical applications of AI across public transportation, from transit planning and daily operations to safety and passenger experience. Drawing on real-world examples, participants will learn how transit agencies are using AI, assess opportunities and risks, and identify practical approaches to implementing AI responsibly.

Designed for public professionals working in transportation, mobility, urban planning, and related fields, the series requires no technical background in AI.

Series Learning Goals

By the end of the series, participants will be able to:

• Identify practical applications of AI in public transportation and assess their potential to improve service delivery.

• Explore how AI can support transit planning, operational decisions, safety, and passenger experience.

• Evaluate the opportunities, risks, and limitations of AI applications, including data quality, privacy, accessibility, and equity.

• Identify practical steps for adopting AI responsibly, evaluating results, and improving transportation services.