Vanderbilt University Researchers Develop AI System to Improve Public Transportation for Individuals with Special Needs

Public transportation is a vital service for many individuals, but for those with special needs, it can often be a challenge to navigate. Researchers at Vanderbilt University have recognized this issue and have developed a software system incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency of public transportation for individuals with special needs.

Led by Abhishek Dubey, associate professor of computer science and electrical and computer engineering at Vanderbilt University, the research aims to enhance the operation of paratransit services provided by the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA). These services offer door-to-door assistance for individuals who face challenges using standard transit routes, with strict adherence to pick-up and drop-off times under federal regulations.

The team at Vanderbilt University has developed a set of data-driven optimization modules that utilize AI to handle online booking, day-ahead scheduling, and real-time requests for CARTA’s paratransit fleet in the Chattanooga region. The results from testing the SmartTransit system have shown significant improvements in efficiency, with fewer detour miles, a higher percentage of trips with multiple passengers, and faster generation of manifests compared to manual methods.

David Rogers, a research engineer with the Institute for Software Integrated Systems and co-author of the research, emphasized that the system prioritizes the needs of dispatchers, drivers, and riders. Continuous communication with CARTA personnel ensures that the solutions are practical and beneficial for all stakeholders involved.

Philip Pugliese, CARTA’s general manager of planning and grants, expressed optimism about the project’s results and identified key opportunities for service improvement. The collaboration between Vanderbilt University, Pennsylvania State University, Cornell University, and CARTA has been funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation.

The success of this project has also been recognized at the 15th ACM/IEEE International Conference on Cyber-Physical Systems, where Dubey and his team won “Best Paper” for their work in developing an AI system to enhance the operations of the transit network in Nashville, Tennessee.

As the system continues to be tested and refined, the potential for improving public transportation services for individuals with special needs is promising. The dedication and innovation of the researchers at Vanderbilt University highlight the positive impact that AI technology can have on enhancing accessibility and efficiency in public transportation systems.