Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how organizations collect and process data, make decisions, and deliver services. While AI presents significant opportunities to improve experiences, enhance productivity, and support better decision-making, it also introduces important challenges and risks that transportation practitioners must understand.
To help bridge this knowledge gap, the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) has released a new report, Artificial Intelligence and Transportation in Canada.
The report provides an accessible overview of AI, explains key concepts, and explores how AI technologies are being applied across Canada’s road, highway, and urban transportation sector. It also examines practical considerations for organizations looking to adopt AI responsibly.
The report highlights current and emerging applications in areas including:
- Planning and design
- Traffic operations
- Construction and asset management
- Safety and security
- Mobility services
- Administration
Alongside these opportunities, the report discusses challenges and risks associated with AI, including bias, privacy, cybersecurity, protection of confidential information, and the evolving impacts on employees and workplaces. It also outlines approaches that can help organizations manage these risks through governance, human oversight, training, and responsible implementation.
The report concludes with suggested actions for TAC’s councils and committees, identifying ways volunteer groups can contribute through knowledge sharing, case studies, learning events, technical documents, surveys, and future AI-related projects.
Whether you’re beginning to explore AI or looking to better understand its role in transportation, this discussion paper offers practical insights and real-world examples relevant to Canada’s transportation community.