The future of commuting

Artificial intelligence allows NJ TRANSIT commuters to plan ahead for a faster, better, safer ride

With coronavirus peaking as a concern in 2020, NJ TRANSIT needed to identify ways for their stakeholders and passengers to maintain social distancing, identify the potential for crowding and determine train capacity. We began working with the agency to implement a pilot program that configured AI software with existing cameras to capture and count passengers boarding, exiting and waiting for trains at specific station platforms and routes.

Using AI to count passengers gives NJ TRANSIT a new approach to capturing real-time travel numbers, using data to help improve planning and situational awareness of station environments, platforms and even train cars.

Giving riders more control

While the ongoing pilot program is delivering immediate benefits, we anticipate even greater advances as NJ TRANSIT continues the AI program and camera coverage improves at stations and rail lines. Soon, AI will help provide riders with dynamic, relevant information in real time shared through mobile apps, websites and on the station’s digital signage areas.

AI may also benefit future riders by detecting safety or security issues and improving response times for customer assistance at stations. We may soon be able to configure AI use cases to notify the train control center if smoke or fire is detected in an area or a suspicious package is left on the platform, or to automatically notify operations personnel of a specific need, such as emptying trash bins, cleaning a platform or requesting wheelchair assistance.

Implementing our industry experts

While the pilot is in progress, NJ TRANSIT and AECOM are working to develop an AI network that can be deployed systemwide, providing real-time rider benefits. While AI is just beginning to make its mark, it is easy to see its applications improving all aspects of how we live and work.