How AI is Revolutionising Public Transit: An Interview with Renee Ray from Hayden AI

Our urban environments, and transportation systems face a lot of different challenges, from traffic congestion to accessibility barriers. With our cities growing, it is important that we find innovative solutions to these problems. This is exactly what Hayden AI, a company pioneering AI-driven technology that helps cities improve public transit, is doing to make it more efficient and accessible for everyone.

In this episode of Conversations in the Park, Timothy Papandreou spoke with Renee Autumn Ray , a leader at Hayden AI , to explore how AI is transforming the way we think about and manage transportation in major cities, and what the future of urban mobility looks like.

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Tim Papandreou: Renee, you’ve been with Hayden AI from the early days. Can you tell us how Hayden AI approaches the transportation problems that cities are struggling with today? What makes it different?

Renee Ray: One of the great things about Hayden AI is that we didn’t try to build tech for the sake of tech. Right from the start, we identified a clear pain point for cities—specifically transit agencies—and focused on solving it. In the US, many cities are investing in bus rapid transit and trying to improve bus performance. But what’s really hurting these systems is something simple: illegally parked vehicles blocking bus lanes and stops. That one issue creates a domino effect—buses are late, they can’t deploy wheelchair ramps, and overall accessibility takes a hit.

We built a solution that could target that specific issue and deliver real value to transit agencies. For example, we’ve demonstrated this to cities like New York MTA and LA Metro, and they’ve seen improvements in on-time performance, accessibility, and even safety for both riders and operators.

Tim: So, you’re talking about using buses as real-time enforcement tools. Can you break that down for us—how does it work, and what impact does it have on a city’s transit system?

Renee: Sure! The way it works is simple but powerful. We equip buses with cameras and AI-powered software that can recognize when a vehicle is blocking a bus lane or stop. The AI identifies these vehicles in real time, records the violation, and then sends that information for review and enforcement. The beauty of this system is that the buses themselves become part of the solution—they're no longer just moving people but actively ensuring the system works as it should.

The impact? We’ve seen cities dramatically improve their on-time performance. When buses don’t have to weave around cars or wait for drivers to move, they stick to their schedules. And it’s not just about speed—it’s about accessibility. When buses can reach the curb, people with disabilities can safely board. This is critical for creating a transit system that works for everyone.

Tim: It’s interesting you mention accessibility. Do you think AI is changing the conversation around equitable transit systems?

Renee: Absolutely. AI isn’t just about making things faster or more efficient—it’s about making sure everyone can use the system. When we allow buses to be blocked, we’re indirectly limiting access for people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and elderly passengers. With AI, we can enforce these lanes properly and ensure they serve their purpose. I believe this is a huge step forward in making transit systems more equitable and inclusive.

Tim: What about smaller cities or less dense areas? Can this kind of AI solution be scaled down to benefit them as well?

Renee: It can definitely scale. The key is adapting the technology to fit the unique needs of each city. While large, dense cities like New York may focus on bus lanes, smaller cities might have different pain points—whether it’s managing parking or optimizing transit routes. The beauty of AI is that it’s adaptable. We’re seeing transit agencies of all sizes starting to explore how AI can help make their systems more efficient and accessible, whether it’s by improving safety or managing congestion.

Tim: You’ve mentioned cities like New York and LA. What has the response been from these major transit agencies? Are they seeing the results they expected?

Renee: The response has been incredibly positive. New York MTA, for example, has published data showing significant improvements in collision reduction, which was an unexpected bonus. The Los Angeles Metro has seen better on-time performance and a noticeable improvement in the safety of operators and riders. What’s great is that these agencies are starting to recognize that AI is not just a buzzword—it’s a tool that can solve real, everyday problems.

Tim: What about partnerships with cities? Is there resistance or hesitation when it comes to implementing AI solutions like this, or are cities jumping on board?

Renee: It depends. Some cities are eager to adopt new technologies, especially when they can see the immediate benefits, like improving bus speeds or reducing collisions. Others are more cautious, and that’s understandable. There’s always some hesitation when it comes to integrating new tech into long-standing infrastructure. But what’s encouraging is that once cities start seeing the data and the results, the buy-in grows quickly. At Hayden AI, we work closely with cities to ensure that the implementation is smooth and that they’re seeing real results as quickly as possible.

Tim: How does AI handle things that change over time, like new traffic patterns or infrastructure developments? Can it adapt, or does it require constant reprogramming?

Renee: One of the strengths of AI is its ability to learn and adapt. When new traffic patterns emerge or infrastructure changes, AI can adjust without needing to be manually reprogrammed every time. The systems we’re developing can process vast amounts of real-time data and make adjustments on the fly. That’s really what sets AI apart—it’s not static, it evolves as the city changes. That flexibility is critical for ensuring long-term success in any urban environment.

Tim: The technology you’ve described—using cameras and AI to enforce bus lanes and improve performance—sounds like it has applications beyond just transit. Can you see this being used in other areas of urban mobility?

Renee: Definitely. The same technology can be applied to other aspects of city infrastructure—whether it’s enforcing parking regulations, monitoring traffic flows, or even optimizing emergency response routes. The potential is huge, and we’re just starting to explore the different ways AI can support smarter cities. The real power of AI is its ability to process and analyze massive amounts of data, which can then be used to make informed decisions in real time.

Tim: Looking ahead, what do you think will be the next big breakthrough in AI and urban mobility?

Renee: I think the next big leap will be the ability to integrate AI into proactive city planning. Right now, we’re using AI to respond to current issues—like blocked bus lanes or congested routes—but imagine being able to predict where problems will occur and solve them before they happen. That’s where AI is heading. We’ll be able to take a lot of the guesswork out of city planning, making cities more adaptive, efficient, and livable.

It is clear that AI is already transforming transportation systems by improving on-time performance, accessibility, and safety. Hayden AI’s solution of turning buses into real-time enforcement tools highlights how even seemingly small changes can have a huge impact on urban mobility. As AI continues to evolve, its role in proactive city planning and infrastructure management will only grow, creating smarter, more efficient, and more inclusive cities for everyone.

What do you think? Can AI really revolutionise how cities function? Let us know your thoughts!

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