Op-Ed: Why the future of transit safety must be predictive, not reactive

Picture this: it’s rush hour. A packed metro car in New York, a crowded bus in Chicago, a security line snaking through an airport. Every day, millions of Americans put their trust in these transportation systems, trusting that someone is watching over their safety. 

And yet, much of our transit safety still functions like a rearview mirror, showing us problems only after they’ve occurred. We notice problems only after they’ve happened, and by then, it’s often too late. 

In today’s fast-moving, hyper-connected world, reactive safety is no longer enough. The future of transit depends on systems that can anticipate, not just respond. That’s where predictive safety comes in—technology that doesn’t wait for danger, but moves first. 

What predictive safety means in practice 

Predictive safety refers to the use of real-time data, artificial intelligence and automation to identify potential threats before they escalate. It enables systems to detect anomalies, anticipate disruptions and support decision-making processes automatically. moving the model from reactive oversight to proactive intervention. 

Predictive safety is exactly what it sounds like: using real-time data, artificial intelligence and automation to spot risks before they become threats. 

Think about what that means in practice: 

• Cameras that don’t just record, but understand, flagging suspicious behavior or abandoned bags in seconds. 
• Sensors that track crowd density to prevent dangerous overcrowding or guide evacuations smoothly. 
• Systems that secure critical control rooms with the same level of security as a digital vault. 
• Worksites where compliance is monitored in real time, reducing accidents before they happen. 

These capabilities are not futuristic concepts. They are already being deployed in high-density environments such as airports and major train stations in Europe and beyond. Rome, for example, has implemented predictive safety technologies across its mobility network, contributing to the city’s resilience during peak periods of public activity, such as large-scale sporting events and international gatherings. 

All monitoring activities are designed and implemented in full compliance with privacy regulations, ensuring data protection and respecting individual rights. 

U.S. transit systems at a turning point 

The U.S. is at a turning point. Billions in federal funding are being poured into modernizing transit. This is more than an opportunity; it’s a once-in-a-generation chance to bake predictive safety into the DNA of our infrastructure. 

It means moving beyond old-school control rooms and static dashboards. The new era is about integrated platforms that don’t just collect data, but act on it. Systems that safeguard both the physical and digital while boosting efficiency and, most importantly, public trust. 

Partnerships are already taking shape. In the U.S., Almaviva, a European provider of intelligent mobility platforms, has recently expanded its presence in North America through the acquisition of Iteris.  

More than technology: A cultural shift 

Transitioning to predictive safety requires more than software, but here’s the key: predictive safety isn’t just a new gadget or software upgrade. It’s a cultural change. 

For too long, safety has been treated as a box to tick or an expense to contain. The reality? It’s the backbone of trust. Without trust, no system—no matter how advanced—can truly serve its people. 

As we roll out autonomous buses, electric fleets and 5G-enabled networks, safety must evolve in lockstep. That means agencies, operators and technology providers working side by side, sharing data, aligning on standards and thinking long-term instead of patching short-term fixes. 

Conclusion 

Transit safety is no longer about watching from the sidelines. It’s about seeing, thinking and acting in real time. It’s about preventing problems before they touch a single passenger. 

Ultimately, it’s about people: the commuter catching the last train home, the parent guiding a child through a busy station, the traveler who expects to arrive safely, every single time. 

Predictive safety gives them something priceless: trust, peace of mind and time. When a city moves safely, it doesn’t just transport people—it carries confidence, resilience and vitality.