• May 01, 2025

    PacTrans Hosts Second Offering of “AI 101” for Transportation Professionals

    In response to the increasing demand for knowledge and practical skills in artificial intelligence (AI) among transportation professionals, the PacTrans Workforce Development Institute (WDI) launched a short course titled “AI 101: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Transportation Professionals.” Following the overwhelming response to the first session held in February— which quickly reached full capacity—PacTrans organized a second offering of the course.

    The second session took place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, and was led by PacTrans Director Dr. Yinhai Wang and PI Dr. Muhammad Karim. The course aimed to provide transportation professionals with a foundational understanding of AI and its potential in transportation.

    Transportation is likely to become one of the first public-facing domains where AI will be engaged and tested. From autonomous and connected vehicles to smart infrastructure, AI technologies are already shaping how we move and how our transportation systems are managed. This four-hour course introduced key AI concepts, including Machine Learning and Deep Learning, and explored their applications within the transportation field.

    They also covered real-world case studies demonstrating the tangible benefits of AI, such as improved traffic flow, reduced emissions, and enhanced public transportation services. The course concluded with discussions about the current limitations of AI, as well as future opportunities for its integration into transportation systems.

    Attendees represented a diverse mix of professionals from both the public and private sectors, including the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Remington & Vernick Engineers, and DKS Associates.

    As AI continues to evolve, PacTrans remains committed to equipping transportation professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate and lead in this rapidly changing landscape.