As cities continue to grow and urban mobility becomes an increasingly complex challenge, innovative solutions are needed to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility. Dr. Wissem Maazoun, an expert in AI-driven transit solutions, provides a compelling vision of how smart traffic systems can transform urban and suburban mobility while addressing key challenges such as infrastructure costs, congestion, and accessibility.
We had the privilege of sitting down with BusPas’ Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Dr. Wissem Maazoun, to discuss the future of AI in traffic management, the challenges of implementing smart transit systems, and how multimodal solutions can create more efficient and sustainable urban mobility.
Rachel Smith: We’re excited to talk about AI’s role in reducing congestion. Let’s start with a foundational question—how does AI-powered traffic management impact daily commutes?
Wissem Maazoun: AI is improving everything in our lives today, but for AI to work in traffic management, we need good data. The biggest challenge is accessing that data. There are two problems: privacy and missing data.
R.S.: Missing data?
W.M.: Yes. When people are inside the system—on a bus, in an Uber, using a shared bike—we have data. But what about when they change their minds? What if they get to a bus stop, see that the bus is late, and decide to drive instead? That information is lost, and without it, we can’t optimize transit properly.
R.S.: So the key is understanding behavior before people enter the system?
W.M.: Exactly. If we know how many people are left behind when a bus is late, we can improve service. Maybe we could send a shared ride, suggest carpooling, or adjust future schedules. AI can bridge these gaps. BusPas focuses on multimodal transportation.
R.S.: Multimodal transportation. Can you explain why that’s important?
W.M.: Transit isn’t just about buses. A good system should integrate multiple modes—buses, trains, shared bikes, taxis, carpooling. AI allows us to optimize this mix. If an area only has a few people waiting, why send a bus? Maybe a taxi or a shared ride is a better option.
R.S.: So, AI helps cities match supply with demand more efficiently?
W.M.: Yes! AI can predict demand and adapt. For example, if there’s a big event in a neighborhood, one transit line might become overcrowded while others are empty. AI can shift resources dynamically—pulling a bus from a low-demand route and reallocating it where needed.
But it’s not just about congestion—it’s about sustainability. I live in Montreal, and I often see signs on the back of buses that say, ‘This bus replaces 50 cars.’ But what if that bus is empty? Is it still sustainable? We need to make sure the right vehicle is used at the right time.
R.S.: Mm. That’s a great point. So, how does this apply in a place like New Jersey, where people are commuting into a large city daily?
W.M.: New Jersey is a perfect example. It’s not a small city, but it’s a suburb to New York. Most people living there commute to NYC daily. The challenge is: how do we efficiently move them to the city without overwhelming transit infrastructure? If we rely solely on buses and trains, we get congestion. But if we integrate carpooling, taxis, and ride-sharing options, we can distribute the load more effectively.
R.S.: So AI can help suburbs as much as it helps cities?
W.M.: Exactly! The problem with suburban transit is that most services are built around rush hour. You take a bus or train into the city in the morning, and home in the evening. But what about other mobility needs, throughout the day—grocery shopping, medical appointments, visiting family? Public transit in suburban areas needs to be flexible, and AI can help predict and adapt to those needs.
R.S.: What are the biggest challenges in implementing AI-powered transit systems?
W.M.: Cost. Infrastructure isn’t free. But people need to think long-term. If we invest a million dollars and save ten million, isn’t it worth it?
R.S.: And what about jobs? There’s always concern that AI will replace workers.
W.M.: Let me tell you a secret—AI isn’t taking jobs. We don’t even have enough people to fill the jobs we need. Bus agencies struggle to find drivers. Who wants to work two hours in the morning and two in the evening? AI helps solve this problem by reallocating resources efficiently.
The bigger problem is that people don’t want these jobs. It’s not just about cost—it’s about practicality. If you’re a bus driver, do you want to work split shifts from 6 AM to 9 AM, then again from 3 PM to 6 PM? No one wants that schedule. AI helps by allowing transit agencies to optimize these shifts and introduce alternative transportation options.
R.S.: What about privacy concerns? Some people worry about AI tracking their movements.
W.M.: We don’t want surveillance. We don’t need to know who you are, just how people move. AI can function with minimal, anonymized data while still improving transit efficiency.
R.S.: And how does this impact funding? Some cities may hesitate to adopt AI because of budget constraints.
W.M.: That’s why we also work on funding solutions. It’s not just about providing technology—it’s about making sure cities can afford it. We partner with organizations like Safer Smart Zones to help cities secure the necessary funding for AI-driven transit improvements.
R.S.: So in an ideal world, how do you see smart transit evolving?
W.M.: Mobility is the backbone of a city. The key is giving people options—efficient, sustainable, and responsive transportation. AI and multimodal solutions help us get there. Cities need to embrace these tools, not just for congestion, but to make transit work better for everyone.
Public transit shouldn’t just be about getting people to work. It should be about giving them the freedom to move—whether they live in a city or a suburb. And AI is what allows us to make that happen in a sustainable and efficient way.
Dr. Wissem Maazoun’s insights shed light on how AI and data-driven solutions can reshape transit systems to meet the mobility demands of a rapidly changing world. The future of transit is not just about moving people efficiently—it’s about creating more livable cities. AI-powered transit solutions in particular, provide a path toward smarter mobility. BusPas is at the forefront of smart urban mobility. And as urban expansion continues, embracing such innovations will be key to fostering connectivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the cities of tomorrow.Thank you, Dr. Maazoun, for your time. Connect with Wissem Maazoun on LinkedIn, and follow BusPas for more insights on multimodal mobility systems.
BusPas Inc.
At BusPas, we innovate to offer cutting-edge technology and user-friendly solutions to transit agencies and municipalities. With a focus on integrating AI, real-time data analytics, and smart urban infrastructure, we are a leader in smart city technology.
