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California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Awards First Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Vendor Contracts
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has partnered with the California Department of Technology and the Department of General Services to award the first Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) vendor contracts. The contracts were awarded to two companies, Deloitte Consulting and INRIX, to identify risky areas and monitor interventions aimed at increasing the safety of vulnerable road users. Additionally, Accenture and Deloitte Consulting were selected to process and interpret data to improve traffic pattern analysis, address bottlenecks, and enhance traffic management.
The decision to integrate AI technology comes as the number of fatal and serious injury collisions in California has increased annually from 2011 to 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin emphasized the importance of utilizing every available tool to end the roadway crisis and reach the goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.
The volume of data generated from various sources has made it difficult for Caltrans to effectively analyze the data. By integrating AI technology, the agency aims to streamline data collection and strengthen strategic decision-making, while studying the technology's potential to help navigate the evolving transportation demands.
