BACKGROUND

Transportation planning plays a vital role in developing efficient and sustainable transportation systems to meet the evolving needs of communities. As technology advances, the field of transportation planning could benefit from the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Jasper) to enhance decision-making processes. Generative AI models have the potential to significantly influence transportation planning by generating synthetic data, forecasting future scenarios, and optimizing decision-making. However, fundamental knowledge gaps and other challenges must be addressed before transportation planners can use and apply generative AI models for network- and project-level transportation planning activities.

Research is needed to identify a process to support state departments of transportation (DOTs) in the use and application of generative AI models in transportation planning activities to realize their potential benefits.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to develop a primer for using generative AI models in transportation planning.

The primer will advance the knowledge and understanding of the use of generative AI models in transportation planning. The primer, at a minimum, shall: 

• Define generative AI;
• Describe potential uses, benefits, opportunities, and limitations;
• Identify the types of data and data quality requirements needed;
• Identify and prioritize the areas of transportation planning in which generative AI may have a greater impact;
• Provide a basis for generative AI model verification and validation;
• Identify risks and challenges, including, but not limited to, biases, equity and ethical considerations, interpretability, implementation, climate and sustainability, and transferability and scalability within and across DOT divisions;
• Provide recommendations for mitigating the identified risks and challenges;
• Suggest strategies for workforce development, governance, and change management; and
• Propose a practical methodology to evaluate the impact of the primer.

RESEARCH PLAN

The research plan will describe the appropriate deliverables, including, but not limited to, the following (which may also represent key project milestones):

1. Final research product(s) presenting the entire research product(s) intended for planning professionals, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders, including:

• A primer;
• A conduct of research report documenting all research efforts;
• A minimum of five executive fact sheets; and
• Documentation of case studies on the use of generative AI in transportation planning.

2. A technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products”.

3. A webinar organized and coordinated by the proposer to present the research findings and conclusions (the webinar’s recording and presentation with the presenter’s notes will be part of the final deliverables). NCHRP will approve the final list of webinar attendees.

STATUS: Proposals have been received in response to the RFP. The project panel will meet to select a contractor to perform the work.