Tehran tests AI-powered bus technology for passenger counting and driver assistance
Pilot project will use artificial intelligence to monitor passenger numbers, speed and distances between stops as the Iranian capital modernises its public transport fleet
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Photo source: Scharfsinn86 / iStock
Tehran is testing artificial intelligence technology on a city bus as part of a pilot project designed to improve passenger monitoring, driver assistance and the technical operation of the Iranian capital's public transport network, as reported by Nournews, a partner of TV BRICS.
Mehdi Alizadeh, head of Tehran's municipal bus transport system, said a dedicated AI committee has been established to develop the use of the technology across the fleet.
Under the pilot scheme, one bus is being equipped with AI-based systems capable of automatically counting passengers and accurately calculating distances between stops to provide information to the driver.
The technology is also being tested for technical monitoring, speed control and automated driver alerts. Data collected by the system is expected to provide transport authorities with additional information on bus operations.
Alizadeh said the technology is currently being tested on a single vehicle, with its performance to be assessed before further steps are taken.
The AI project forms part of a broader modernisation of Tehran's bus network, which also includes expanding the city's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) fleet.
According to Alizadeh, 101 new 18-metre diesel buses have already been delivered for BRT services, while another 31 vehicles are currently in Bandar Abbas and are expected to join the fleet.
Around 240 additional 18-metre diesel buses remain under the procurement programme, with authorities working to secure the necessary funding. Most are expected to arrive by the end of the Iranian year.
Tehran is also expanding the use of electric public transport. A number of 26-metre electric metro buses have been loaded in China and are being transported to Iran. Authorities are additionally working on the introduction of 50 electric 18-metre buses.
The combined introduction of AI technology and new electric and diesel vehicles is expected to support the continued modernisation of Tehran's high-capacity BRT network.
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