--- title: How AI, ML, and Agnostic Software Can be Used to Plan Advanced Transit Systems description: Originally published here on July 13, 2023 Over the past few years, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), predictive modeling, and cloud technology have significantly changed our nation’s transportation system. Today, transit and emergency response networks nationwide are researching and deploying never-before-seen transit technology based on AI and cloud technology. However, these agencies and city… image: https://lyt.ai/hubfs/AdobeStock_302124329.jpeg --- [Skip to main content](https://lyt.ai/blog/how-ai-ml-and-agnostic-software-can-be-used-to-plan-transit-systems#main-content) [![LYT.ai](https://lyt.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshots/LYTLogo_CommandBlue.png?width=120&height=50&name=LYTLogo_CommandBlue.png) ![LYT.ai](https://lyt.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshots/LYTLogo_CommandBlue.png?width=120&height=50&name=LYTLogo_CommandBlue.png) ![LYT.ai](https://lyt.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshots/LYTLogo_CommandBlue.png?width=120&height=50&name=LYTLogo_CommandBlue.png) ![LYT.ai](https://lyt.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshots/LYTLogo_CommandBlue.png?width=120&height=50&name=LYTLogo_CommandBlue.png)](https://lyt.ai) - [Public Safety](https://lyt.ai/public-safety) - [Transit](https://lyt.ai/transit) - [Success Stories](https://lyt.ai/blog/tag/customer-success-stories) - [Content Hub](https://lyt.ai/blog) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Public Safety](https://lyt.ai/public-safety) - [Transit](https://lyt.ai/transit) - [Success Stories](https://lyt.ai/blog/tag/customer-success-stories) - [Content Hub](https://lyt.ai/blog) - [Login to LYT](https://v2.portal.lyt.ai/login) [Request a Demo](https://lyt.ai/request-a-demo) [Login to LYT](https://v2.portal.lyt.ai/login) [Request a Demo](https://lyt.ai/request-a-demo) [Blog](https://lyt.ai/blog/tag/blog) [Artificial Intelligence](https://lyt.ai/blog/tag/artificial-intelligence) [Cloud](https://lyt.ai/blog/tag/cloud) +2 more # How AI, ML, and Agnostic Software Can be Used to Plan Advanced Transit Systems Jun 11, 2026 • 5 min read Originally published [here](https://www.traffictechnologytoday.com/opinion/opinion-how-ai-ml-and-agnostic-software-can-be-used-to-plan-advanced-transit-systems.html) on July 13, 2023 Over the past few years, [artificial intelligence](https://lyt.ai/blog/how-artificial-intelligence-is-shaping-the-future-of-transportation/) (AI), machine learning (ML), predictive modeling, and cloud technology have significantly changed our nation’s transportation system. Today, transit and emergency response networks nationwide are researching and deploying never-before-seen transit technology based on AI and cloud technology. However, these agencies and city officials are beginning to understand that there are differences in the type of technology available today, and it’s critical for them to understand the differences, which can significantly impact their budgets. Unfortunately, they often fall into the trap of taking a hardware- and device-centric approach to their technology implementation, which can be disastrous to their communities and budgetary planning. #### **Understanding the need to improve traffic** All areas of the US transportation system are focused on curbing the growing traffic trend by introducing and leveraging technologies and solutions that utilize data analytics to create a better traffic flow. In addition, carmakers are also promoting more connected vehicle technologies to make cars and trucks on the roads smarter and more efficient by connecting to any number of databases and platforms that can help vehicles read traffic patterns in real-time. However, a hardware-based approach to building a next-generation transit solution can cost cities five or ten times more in the long run. Sure, there are video-based and device-centric traffic data collection solutions on the market with advanced technology, but implementing these solutions can bring about significant budgetary challenges over time. #### **Why planning around devices can be costly** Any solution centered around a hardware- or device-centric solution is akin to proudly buying the latest iPhone but sticking with the same operating system for the next 10-15 years. The integrity of the device diminishes with every passing year while the software and web applications continue to innovate past the capacities of the phone. However, cloud-connected and managed devices are now more maintainable and extensible than their self-contained counterparts. Furthermore, cloud-enabled platforms are more cost-effective because costs associated with updates and scalable upgrades usually directed at purchasing additional hardware and software are immediately eliminated. Operational, maintenance, and upgrade costs are all expenses that disappear. The cost savings include the additional benefits of using cloud resources with an improved cybersecurity and data recovery posture outlined in the service-level agreements. The correct hardware based on an advanced, agnostic cloud-based platform operating system leveraging AI, ML, and leading data analytics is highly effective. In fact, in today’s age of highly reliable large-scale communication access, the opportunity exists to eliminate the hardware cost of [transit signal priority](https://lyt.ai/blog/what-is-transit-priority/) solutions while maximizing the investment in current solutions. Many of today’s signal controller firmware vendors have software functionality to facilitate placing virtual priority calls. The information needed to place these virtual calls can be found at the transit agency. To better manage their fleet, agencies typically have implemented tracking devices on each vehicle to report to their computer-aided dispatch and automatic vehicle location (CAD/AVL) software. With vehicle locations known in near real-time, software and networking can now bridge the gap between transit vehicles and city signals to facilitate transit priority in a more reliable, sustainable, and intelligent way. AI and [cloud-based platforms](https://lyt.ai/lyt-speed/) can completely reimagine the mass transit system and make it better than it is now. For example, technology is already demonstrating how to improve coordination between GPS, navigational apps, connected cars, bus transit, and even taxi and ride-sharing services to combine into a single entity effectively. #### **The need for an agnostic platform** Today’s technology-heavy EVs cannot exist without a reliable network and infrastructure of charging stations. In a similar context, connected vehicles and a device-centric approach cannot solve today’s traffic problems alone, and therefore ITS systems are only as good as the [agnostic data-sharing platforms](https://lyt.ai/press-release/lyt-joins-freethemibs-movement/) they operate on. These data-sharing platforms have been proven highly effective, but only when cities and municipalities overseeing transportation systems make them open for proper data sharing. Unfortunately, many municipalities remain locked into contracts with hardware and device providers who claim to operate under “open architecture” yet are unwilling to work under an open data platform, and these cities severely restrict themselves from the true possibilities that a cloud-based platform can provide. This setup is like hardware and device providers dangling a shiny new toy in front of city and budget owners. Yet, a few years later, they realize they must keep shelling out millions for new hardware and upgrades to maximize data use. [Cloud-based TSP](https://lyt.ai/solutions/lyt-transit/) systems take the global picture of a system into account and use [machine learning](https://lyt.ai/blog/read-how-lyt-machine-learning-are-reshaping-transit-systems/) to predict the optimal time to grant the green light to transit vehicles at just the right time. It minimizes interference with crisscrossing routes and simultaneously maximizes the probability of a continuous drive. More importantly, the agnostic cloud-based platform ensures cities leverage a continuously updated system for maximized transit potential. With this technology now at our fingertips, cities, and municipalities have the technology they need to properly accelerate the buildout of intelligent transit networks to benefit everyone in the region. Tags: [Blog](https://lyt.ai/blog/tag/blog) [Artificial Intelligence](https://lyt.ai/blog/tag/artificial-intelligence) [Cloud](https://lyt.ai/blog/tag/cloud) [Machine Learning](https://lyt.ai/blog/tag/machine-learning) [Intelligent Transportation Systems](https://lyt.ai/blog/tag/intelligent-transportation-systems) Share: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Flyt.ai%2Fblog%2Fhow-ai-ml-and-agnostic-software-can-be-used-to-plan-transit-systems&title=How+AI%2C+ML%2C+and+Agnostic+Software+Can+be+Used+to+Plan+Advanced+Transit+Systems) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Flyt.ai%2Fblog%2Fhow-ai-ml-and-agnostic-software-can-be-used-to-plan-transit-systems) [Email](mailto:?subject=Article+from+LYT%3A+How+AI%2C+ML%2C+and+Agnostic+Software+Can+be+Used+to+Plan+Advanced+Transit+Systems&body=I+thought+this+LYT+article+was+worth+sharing%3A%0A%0AHow+AI%2C+ML%2C+and+Agnostic+Software+Can+be+Used+to+Plan+Advanced+Transit+Systems%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Flyt.ai%2Fblog%2Fhow-ai-ml-and-agnostic-software-can-be-used-to-plan-transit-systems) See LYT In Action ### Request a Demo Talk with our team about real-time priority control for your city or agency. [Request a Demo](https://lyt.ai/request-a-demo) ## Related Articles ### [![Lyt Expands East Coast Presence With Key Project To Improve Travel Times For Several Citylink Bus Routes In Baltimore.](https://lyt.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/connor-betts-QK6Iwzd5MhE-unsplash.jpg?width=350&height=197&name=connor-betts-QK6Iwzd5MhE-unsplash.jpg) Press Releases, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud, Machine Learning, Intelligent Transportation Systems Lyt Expands East Coast Presence With Key Project To Improve Travel Times For Several Citylink Bus Routes In Baltimore. The initiative will deploy LYT’s advanced cloud-based Transit Signal Priority (TSP) technologies to optimize traffic flow at 90 intersections across four key bus corridors Santa Clara, Calif, – September 17, 2025 – LYT, a leader in NextGen intelligent connected traffic technology solutions, today announced its continued expansion into the East Coast through a contract award…](https://lyt.ai/blog/lyt-expands-east-coast-presence-with-key-project-to-improve-travel-times-for-several-citylink-bus-routes-in-baltimore) ### [![LYT Introduces New Transit Signal Prioritization Insights Platform For Local Transit Agencies](https://lyt.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/connor-betts-QK6Iwzd5MhE-unsplash.jpg?width=350&height=197&name=connor-betts-QK6Iwzd5MhE-unsplash.jpg) Press Releases, Data, Dashboard, Audit LYT Introduces New Transit Signal Prioritization Insights Platform For Local Transit Agencies LYT Introduces New Transit Signal Prioritization Insights Platform For Local Transit Agencies    Pioneer of Cloud-Based Transit Solutions Unveils Never-Seen-Before Transit Performance Analytics System & Dashboard    Santa Clara, Calif. – (March 16, 2023) –  LYT, a leader in intelligent connected traffic technology solutions, announced today its new feature-rich cloud-based Transit Signal Prioritization (TSP) platform,…](https://lyt.ai/blog/lyt-introduces-new-transit-signal-prioritization-insights-platform-for-local-transit-agencies) ### [![LYT Announces Plans For Groundbreaking New Transit Signal Prioritization Insights Module At TRB’s Annual Meeting](https://lyt.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/connor-betts-QK6Iwzd5MhE-unsplash.jpg?width=350&height=197&name=connor-betts-QK6Iwzd5MhE-unsplash.jpg) Press Releases, Dashboard, Analytics LYT Announces Plans For Groundbreaking New Transit Signal Prioritization Insights Module At TRB’s Annual Meeting LYT Announces Plans For Groundbreaking New Transit Signal Prioritization Insights Module At TRB’s Annual Meeting    Pioneer of Cloud-Based Transit Solutions Plans to Unveil Never-Seen-Before Transit Performance Analytics System & Dashboard in March    Washington, D.C. – (January 9, 2023) –  LYT, a leader in intelligent connected traffic technology solutions, announced today at the Transportation…](https://lyt.ai/blog/lyt-announces-plans-for-groundbreaking-new-transit-signal-prioritization-insights-module-at-trbs-annual-meeting) ## See LYT In Action LYT is purpose-built for cities that need reliable, real-time priority control without the hardware headaches. Talk to our team and we'll show you exactly how it works, what deployment looks like for your agency, how other cities have seen success, and what funding opportunities may be available to you. ### Request a Demo [![LYT Logo](https://lyt.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/lyt_white_text_inline.png?width=141&height=54&name=lyt_white_text_inline.png)](https://lyt.ai) - [Partner with LYT](https://lyt.ai/partner-with-lyt) - [Work with LYT](https://lyt.ai/works-with-lyt) - [Careers](https://lyt.ai/careers) - [EULA](https://lyt.ai/eula) - - ![American Owned. American Operated.](https://lyt.ai/hubfs/American%20Owned.%20American%20Operated..svg) ©2026 Copyright. All rights reserved [Privacy Policy](https://sinwaves-5754551.hs-sites.com/privacy-policy)     ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Admin", "url" : "https://lyt.ai/blog/author/admin" }, "dateModified" : "2026-06-11T17:39:31.161Z", "datePublished" : "2026-06-11T17:39:31.000Z", "headline" : "How AI, ML, and Agnostic Software Can be Used to Plan Advanced Transit Systems", "image" : [ "https://lyt.ai/hubfs/AdobeStock_302124329.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://lyt.ai/blog/how-ai-ml-and-agnostic-software-can-be-used-to-plan-transit-systems", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://lyt.ai/hubfs/Headshots/LYTLogo_CommandBlue.png" }, "name" : "LYT" } } ```