Convergence: Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing

CHAPTER 10Ethics and Quantum AI for Future Public Transit Systems

Benjamin Crawford, Instructor, University of Alabama

Today, we are on the verge of a quantum revolution promising to bring better computers and faster software calculations to further scientific, medical, and technological breakthroughs. However, another area where quantum AI can be applied is in the area of public transportation.

Public transportation in larger cities is typically established through subway systems and bus routes. Many of these systems are already set in place, so it may seem odd to apply quantum AI to existing transit systems. However, there are definite possible applications for quantum AI here. Quantum AI might be used to review and optimize current mutable transportation routes of, for example, public buses. Quantum AI can also be used to recalculate the economic, environmental, and more importantly the human impact of modifying routes and frequency of route completion based on changing dynamics over time. Additionally, quantum AI may be used to accurately calculate the need for systemic enhancements to, for example, subway systems. Part of the challenge that quantum AI presents to established public transit systems is that, being already established, some portions of those systems (for example, a subway) may gain only limited, but still tangible, benefits from the application of quantum AI. Applications of quantum AI to existing systems could include continual review and revision of the ...