Modernizing Public Transit Through Technology and Policy

Episode 11 of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast focuses on the future of urban transportation, the next generation of transit professionals and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in public transportation systems. University of Illinois Chicago Professor Kate Lowe joined graduate students Noah Arroyo and Maisie Westerfield to discuss transportation policy, transit equity, mobility justice and emerging technology. The episode explores how younger professionals view AI differently from previous generations, especially in transit planning, customer service, geospatial analysis and safety systems. Gavin, Brandon and Jessica also discuss Bentley Systems receiving FedRAMP authorization for its federal infrastructure software platforms, highlighting cybersecurity and cloud modernization in transportation infrastructure.  Featured Guests Kate Lowe - Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Policy, University of Illinois Chicago Kate Lowe studies transportation at the intersection of policy, funding, and mobility justice. Her work examines how varied stakeholders and transportation policies interact across different levels of government and how this impacts transportation investments and racial inequities. She also conducts qualitative research on lived experiences of mobility and accessibility for low-income populations and Black and Brown communities.    Noah Arroyo - Graduate Assistant, University of Illinois Chicago Noah Arroyo is a current Graduate Assistant, where he manages administrative functions for the UIC Urban Planning and Policy department within the college. He is also an intern with the Chicago Transit Authority, where he maintains partnerships with transportation officials, elected officials, Federal Transit Authority representatives, 13 block clubs, neighborhood stakeholders, businesses and four chambers of commerce for the Red Purple Modernization Government & Community Relations group.   Maisie Westerfield - Master's Student, University of Illinois Chicago Maisie Westerfield is a masters' student at the University of Illinois at Chicago studying urban planning and policy with a concentration in urban transportation. She has a bachelors degree in environmental management from Indiana University. She is interested in climate resilient transportation, climate activism in young generations and environmental justice.  What You'll Learn  How Bentley Systems’ FedRAMP authorization could help accelerate secure, cloud-based modernization efforts across U.S. transportation infrastructure Why the rollout of AI in transit is expected to be gradual—and how it’s already being applied in real-world, rural mobility challenges How transit, housing and land use are becoming increasingly interconnected through transit-oriented development Why many transit agencies still lag technologically, and how budget constraints and legacy systems continue to shape adoption of new tools Inside the Episode  Episode Length: 38:44 Timestamps:  1:50 — FedRAMP Authorization discussion 9:45 — Mass Transit interview 32:43 — Interview takeaways Useful Links Useful Links University of Chicago Illinois Department of Urban Planning and Policy "Bentley Systems Achieves Key U.S. Government Security Milestone to Help Modernize the Nation's Infrastructure" - Bentley Systems Roads & Bridges Mass Transit Send us a topic suggestion!  Don’t forget to subscribe to the ITP and rate and review our podcast! Email [email protected] with your thoughts on federal authorizations and AI — we might read them on air.