We sat down once again with BusPas’ Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Dr. Wissem Maazoun, to discuss one of the most pressing issues in AI-powered transit: the ethical considerations that come with innovation. As AI plays a growing role in shaping public transportation, concerns about privacy, sustainability, transparency, and security must be addressed. Dr. Maazoun sheds light on how BusPas approaches these challenges, ensuring that AI is used responsibly to benefit both transit operators and the public.
Rachel Smith: To start, can you give us an outline of how BusPas approaches responsible AI?
Wissem Maazoun: Absolutely. We focus on three main areas. The first is privacy—everything today revolves around data, but whose data is it? It belongs to the public, so we need to protect it. At BusPas, privacy is a core commitment.
The second is energy consumption. AI systems require a lot of power. If we’re using AI to promote sustainability but consuming excessive energy elsewhere, we’re just shifting the problem. We need to control energy use and make AI systems more efficient. That’s why we develop solutions that can run on renewable energy like solar panels.
The third is AI for human beings—for good. AI must serve people, not just provide solutions for the sake of technology. For example, if someone with a wheelchair is at a bus stop, we want to ensure our system recognizes that and provides the right accommodations. AI should improve lives, not create more problems.
R.S.: Let’s talk about privacy. What steps does BusPas take to ensure data privacy in its AI systems?
W.M.: First, we don’t store video. We use overhead cameras with fisheye lenses to capture movement, not faces. Our systems work entirely offline using NVIDIA chipsets, meaning the AI processes everything locally without sending raw data to the cloud.
We don’t need personal information—we extract only the insights we need, such as: how many people are waiting at a bus stop? What time do they arrive? How long do they wait? We analyze trends without tracking individuals. The idea is to optimize transit, not surveil people.
R.S.: So the AI is embedded within the unit itself, not constantly sending data back?
W.M.: Exactly. Traditional Internet of Things (IoT) systems collect data and send it raw to the cloud. Instead, we use what we call “AI of Things”—where the processing happens within the device itself. This reduces bandwidth, storage, and privacy risks. The only thing sent to the cloud is structured, anonymized data that contains no personal information.
R.S.: Transparency is a big concern in AI. How does BusPas ensure transparency with the public, partners, and stakeholders?
W.M.: Transparency is one of our core values. People are skeptical of AI because they don’t always understand how it works. That’s why we publish much of our research in international conferences, making our work accessible.
People sometimes view AI as an invisible force, like the “evils of the world.” But I always remind them—Alfred Nobel invented dynamite, which made mining and construction possible. It also caused destruction. AI is the same. It can be used for good or bad. The key is ensuring we use it responsibly. That’s why we openly share how our system works and what kind of data we collect.
R.S.: That’s an interesting comparison. Nobel’s invention had immense benefits but also risks. What do you see as the biggest ethical challenges in using AI for public transit?
W.M.: The biggest challenge isn’t just building AI—it’s getting social acceptance. Even if we build the best system, if people don’t trust it, they won’t use it. Transparency is key. People need to understand what we’re doing and why.
If people feel uncomfortable, they might even vandalize the system. It’s not just about making AI work—it’s about making sure people see its value and trust it. That’s why education and public awareness are critical.
R.S.: You brought up security earlier. Could AI systems be misused, similar to how hackers manipulate QR codes?
W.M.: Security is our top priority. We design our systems with built-in protection against intrusion. Even if someone hacked into our system, there’s no personal data to steal. The only thing in our database is: “Three people were at a bus stop at 5:30 PM.” That information is only useful to transit operators, not criminals.
R.S.: But you still monitor for intrusions?
W.M.: Of course. We actually use AI to secure our own systems. We continuously update security measures, working with universities and cybersecurity firms to stay ahead of potential threats. No system is 100% safe, but we are committed to constant improvement.
R.S.: As we wrap up, let’s talk about AI in transit beyond bus systems. What role does AI play in traffic management?
W.M.: If we can know in real time how many people are waiting at a bus stop, it changes everything.
For example, many cities prioritize buses at traffic lights, but the system doesn’t know whether there are actually passengers waiting. A bus could be given priority only to stop and pick up a single person, disrupting the entire traffic flow. But if AI can inform the system how many people are waiting in advance, traffic lights can prioritize buses more efficiently.
This also applies to electric buses. The highest energy consumption happens when a bus stops and starts. If we can predict where and how long a bus will stop, we can optimize energy usage, improving efficiency for electric fleets. The same technology can help coordinate charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, ensuring smarter energy management across an entire city.
R.S.: And this isn’t just for bus drivers—passengers benefit too, right?
W.M.: Exactly. If I know my bus will arrive in exactly seven minutes, I might wait at the stop. But if I think I’ll be waiting 15 or 20 minutes in freezing temperatures, I might take a different route. The more accurate our predictions, the better the experience for everyone.
R.S.: That leads me to a final question—how do AI-powered transit systems help decision-making for transit operators?
W.M.: AI improves decision-making by reducing uncertainty. When making a decision, there’s always risk. If the answer were black and white, it wouldn’t be a decision—it would be a fact. The challenge is managing the gray areas.
If transit operators know the risk percentage of a decision—say, a 10% risk of increased congestion versus a 90% chance of improved efficiency—they can make more informed choices. AI helps quantify these risks, making transit decisions easier and more reliable.
R.S.: That’s a great conclusion. Responsible AI isn’t just about innovation—it’s about making transit smarter, fairer, and more efficient.
W.M.: Absolutely. If we stay committed to responsible, transparent, and sustainable AI, we can create transit systems that truly serve people while respecting privacy, security, and efficiency.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into transit systems worldwide, the need for responsible development is clear. From privacy protection to transparency, energy efficiency, and social acceptance, BusPas is taking a proactive approach to ensure AI serves communities ethically and responsibly. The challenge moving forward is not just technological innovation—but ensuring these systems remain transparent, secure, and built for the good of all.
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.
