APTA issues AI primer, guidance for transit agencies

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) last week released a comprehensive primer and guidance briefs for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in public transit use cases.

The primer and briefs were created based on a survey of transit agencies and staff interviews that captured current and planned AI applications across eight functions: back office, operations, customer support, maintenance, safety and security, customer analytics, planning, and fares and ticketing.

"Public transit agencies of all sizes are deploying AI to make service more reliable, more efficient and more responsive to riders," said APTA President and CEO Paul Skoutelas in a press release. "These resources give our member organizations a clear picture of where the industry stands and a practical roadmap for moving forward responsibly."

APTA found that customer support and analytics are the most common segments that transit agencies currently use AI for, and nearly half of the agencies plan to implement AI in back office and operations functions.

The guidance briefs provide agencies with solutions to challenges faced when implementing AI, including data integration, AI policy framework, agency readiness and staff capacity.