New “AI in Motion” Report Calls for National Regulatory Framework on Transportation AI
Policymakers must address energy infrastructure, regulatory fragmentation, and global competition to enable U.S. leadership and security
- AI systems in transportation are already driving significant safety and efficiency improvements, but barriers must be overcome for continued advancements.
- China is intensifying its push into global AI governance, standard-setting, and deployment—leaving the U.S. racing to catch up.
- Report outlines strategies for U.S. policymakers to realize the benefits of transportation AI here at home while supporting global leadership.
Washington, D.C. – A new analysis released today from SAFE’s Coalition for Reimagined Mobility (ReMo), AI in Motion: Securing America’s Edge in Safer, Smarter Transportation, indicates the United States must take bold action on AI deployment or risk missing a generational opportunity to save lives, improve efficiency, and build safer transportation systems.
AI is transforming how transportation systems are designed, governed, and operated, presenting a prime vector for saving lives, time, and money. AI-enabled autonomous technologies in transportation have already reduced injury claims by up to 92%, freight delivery times by 25%, and saved nearly $100 million annually for a global airline using an AI-based flight path optimization.
However, despite these benefits, the U.S. Department of Transportation has only recently begun incorporating AI into its regulatory actions. DOT ranks far behind several federal agencies in the total number of AI-related rules to date, underscoring the need for stronger federal leadership in applying AI to transportation.
ReMo’s latest report analyzes AI applications and governance in transportation, connecting use cases with physical infrastructure required to scale and deploy the technology. The report considers energy and geopolitics into a cohesive strategy for national AI deployment—and illuminates the national security importance of building transportation AI capabilities here in the US.
“AI’s potential benefits in the physical realm are vast—with innovations applying to defense readiness systems and transportation logistics alike,” said General Carlton D. Everhart (Ret.), 12th Commander of US Air Mobility Command and member of SAFE’s ESLC. “Increased operational efficiency, quick decision-making, and predictive and learning functions promote safer and more efficient streets at home while also enhancing America’s priorities and actions overseas.”
ReMo’s report identifies three key challenges to the widespread deployment of AI-enabled transportation systems and to securing future leadership: energy infrastructure resilience, regulatory fragmentation, and global standards and strategic competition.
“While the United States has historically led in AI innovation, Beijing is intensifying its push into global AI governance, standard-setting, and deployment, leaving the U.S racing to catch up,” said ReMo’s Executive Director Avery Ash. “The nation must develop a framework to enable scalability if it wants to compete and lead in AI-enabled transportation systems.”
- Prioritizing transportation AI as national infrastructure and as a security imperative.
- Investing in resilient energy, chip, and compute infrastructure.
- Adopting a national regulatory framework that enables safe, scalable deployment.
- Engaging assertively in global standards-setting to ensure democratic norms shape future mobility systems.
While the U.S. risks falling behind in AI’s next era—deployment—it can still redirect and maintain its leadership over the sector. ReMo’s strategies can offer a path forward to overcome strategic challenges and ensure continued U.S. competitiveness and leadership in AI-enabled transportation.
Watch the report release webinar
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About SAFE
SAFE is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization committed to transportation, energy, and supply chain policies that advance the economic and national security of the United States, its partners, and allies. Since 2004, SAFE has worked with its Energy Security Leadership Council—a peerless coalition of current and former Fortune 500 CEOs and retired 4-star admirals and generals—to support secure, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions. Learn more at SecureEnergy.org.
