Urban Transportation Modernization Strategy
The trends reshaping urban transportation are putting pressure on transportation agencies. Cybersecurity risk is rising as connected IT/OT systems and AI adoption expand the attack surface. Outdated systems continue to drive up operating costs, while an aging workforce is retiring away from the aging infrastructure they maintain—leaving fewer people to operate existing networks while also modernizing them.
1
Modernize and Secure Transportation Infrastructure. Protect connected transportation environments from AI-enabled cyberattacks while replacing aging infrastructure and legacy systems and aligning the workforce to manage this new, modern infrastructure. Modern, secure technology can help agencies protect connected IT and OT environments, reduce operating costs, and establish the foundation for secure, AI-enabled solutions.
2
Enhance User Experience, Safety, and Access. Improve public safety and reduce congestion hotspots while making public transit more responsive to the needs of residents. Focus service improvements on creating safer, more accessible transportation and extending reliable service across communities.
3
Diversify Transportation Funding Models. Develop new revenue streams to replace/supplementtraditional funding sources facing shortfalls, including fuel tax revenue. Programs such as smart parking, EV registration fees, and public-private partnerships can help agencies build a more resilient funding base for transportation investments.
4
Reduce Carbon Emissions Across the Network. Advance climate resilience and sustainability goals by making emissions reduction a core objective of transportation network modernization rather than treating it as a separate initiative.
5
Strengthen Data Capabilities. Build the AI skills transportation workforces need while making data secure, accessible, and easier to use—two capabilities essential to deploy AI-driven solutions effectively. Data underpins every strategic priority, from preventing cyberattacks and optimizing traffic flow to improving network efficiency and advancing sustainability goals. Strengthening these capabilities provides a foundation for modernization across the transportation network.
Protect connected transportation environments from AI-enabled cyberattacks while replacing aging infrastructure and legacy systems and aligning the workforce to manage this new, modern infrastructure. Modern, secure technology can help agencies protect connected IT and OT environments, reduce operating costs, and establish the foundation for secure, AI-enabled solutions.
Improve public safety and reduce congestion hotspots while making public transit more responsive to the needs of residents. Focus service improvements on creating safer, more accessible transportation and extending reliable service across communities.
Develop new revenue streams to replace/supplement traditional funding sources facing shortfalls, including fuel tax revenue. Programs such as smart parking, EV registration fees, and public-private partnerships can help agencies build a more resilient funding base for transportation investments.
Advance climate resilience and sustainability goals by making emissions reduction a core objective of transportation network modernization rather than treating it as a separate initiative.
Build the AI skills transportation workforces need while making data secure, accessible, and easier to use—two capabilities essential to deploy AI-driven solutions effectively. Data underpins every strategic priority, from preventing cyberattacks and optimizing traffic flow to improving network efficiency and advancing sustainability goals. Strengthening these capabilities provides a foundation for modernization across the transportation network.
Table 1. Urban Transportation Modernization Strategy
5 strategic priorities aligned to 7 common industry pressure points
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
1
Modernize and Secure Transportation Infrastructure
2
Enhance User Experience, Safety, and Access
3
Diversify Transportation Funding Models
4
Reduce Carbon Emissions Across Network
5
Strengthen Data and AI Capabilities
PRESSURE POINTS
1
Cybersecurity risks from connected IT/OT and AI
2
Workforce and Asset Degradation
3
Legacy Systems and Rising Costs
4
Public Safety and Urban Congestion
5
Revenue Stream Transition
6
Climate Resilience and Sustainability Goals
7
Building AI Skills and Making Data Easier to Access and Use
