Recent breakthroughs in autonomy, electrification, and shared mobility are transforming transportation by opening new avenues for integrated, multi-modal transit systems with potential to benefit society as a whole. This five-day Dagstuhl Seminar aims to bring together experts from computer science, operations research, engineering, social sciences, and public policy to tackle both the theoretical and practical challenges at the intersection of data-driven transit planning, algorithm design, and real-world implementation.

At the core of the seminar is an exploration of four interrelated themes. The first centers on network design and operational optimization, with a focus on examining how high-capacity public transit can be seamlessly integrated with dynamic, demand-responsive modes. This integration presents complex challenges in system design, trip planning, and real-time fleet coordination. Drawing on recent advances from ride-hailing and micro-transit, the seminar aims to develop innovative strategies for integrated transit solutions that adapt to evolving urban environments.

The second theme is the application of data-driven methods to understand user behavior and optimize system performance. By harnessing both real-time and historical data alongside cutting-edge machine learning techniques, researchers will explore how traditional, schedule-based transit operations can be transformed into agile systems that respond effectively to fluctuating demand patterns. This aims to bridge the gap between established public transport paradigms and the dynamism of modern, data-informed strategies through adaptive, behavior-aware models.

Energy efficiency constitutes our third theme, addressing the critical need for sustainable transportation systems via energy-aware approaches to planning, scheduling, and fleet management, with particular attention to electric and regenerative technologies. This exploration aims to optimize energy use while maintaining robust operational performance.

The fourth theme addresses equitable access to mobility, recognizing that technological innovation must enhance accessibility for all communities. The seminar will examine the balance between operational efficiency and social equity, developing strategies for inclusive transit solutions that serve diverse populations across socioeconomic boundaries.

Throughout the seminar, participants will engage in visionary keynote lectures, focused technical presentations, and dynamic roundtable discussions, all designed to spark interdisciplinary collaboration and catalyze new research directions. By uniting diverse perspectives and expertise, this seminar aims to identify fundamental challenges and craft innovative solutions that will drive the transformation of public transit systems into more resilient, adaptable, and socially responsive infrastructures. Join us for a week of intensive exploration and collaboration as participants lay the groundwork for a future where data-driven, multi-modal transit systems become the backbone of sustainable urban mobility.

Creative Commons BY 4.0

Samitha Samaranayake, Peter Sanders, Anita Schöbel, and Karen Smilowitz