Exciting news for California! Gov. Gavin Newsom unveils AI solutions to cut traffic and enhance safety
Gavin Newsom has announced three new artificial intelligence initiatives aimed at improving government efficiency, reducing traffic congestion, and enhancing customer service in California.
Governor Gavin Newsom has revealed an exciting initiative to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and reimagine operations in the California government. These new AI efforts come soon after Newsom issued an executive order in 2023 calling on state agencies to take advantage of AI technology to improve workflows and services.
During a press conference in downtown Los Angeles, Newsom shared three new AI-based projects developed to address the state's persistent traffic congestion, to enhance roadway safety, and to increase the efficiency of government functions in places like DMV offices and call centers.
Newsom plans to AI use for traffic challenges in California
Governor Gavin Newsom announced three new artificial intelligence-driven initiatives designed to improve government operations and tackle California's ongoing traffic challenges.
"Gen Ai is coming to traffic management in this state in a way that doesn't exist in any other state in America," Newsom said at a news conference in downtown Los Angeles.
Newsom had already signed an executive order in 2023 directing state agencies to consider utilizing AI to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of state government.
Now, Newsom has announced that the state has entered into three new partnerships that would use AI to reduce highway congestion, enhance road safety and improve service at state call centers.
Unlike President Donald Trump's controversial method of laying off federal employees, Newsom stressed that his plan regarding AI is not reducing the number of state employees but enabling state employees to work more efficiently with better tools.
"This announcement is a collaboration with state employees," Newsom explained. "They're excited because we're not doing things to them, we're doing things with them."
Newsom reiterated that state workers can experiment and leverage these AI tools to better their work, increase productivity, and make the overall experience of using the DMV better for the people of California.
The new AI projects are expected to result in meaningful decreases in time spent in DMV Offices and easing of congestion.
"Task that would typically take two to three months will now take just two to three days, thanks to generative AI tools that help identify traffic issues more effectively and offer solutions," said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin.
Additionally, the state plans to integrate AI into tax office call centers, enabling staff to quickly find answers and streamline the process for Californians seeking assistance.
How will AI work on California's streets?
The California Department of Transportation, the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and the Government Operations Agency have signed agreements to implement generative AI technology.
This AI will integrate existing data to create new content such as text, images, and audio.
With this technology, companies will use AI to analyze and reduce traffic on highways, enhance road safety, and improve customer service.
Additionally, Caltrans will leverage Azure Open AI and Gemini GenAI, developed by Accenture, Microsoft, and Deloitte, to analyze historical and real-time traffic data in order to predict and manage traffic congestion.
