Caltrans Officials, Early AI Users, Look to Expand Adoption
Caltrans Officials, Early AI Users, Look to Expand Adoption
Publish Date: 2026-01-07 18:23:00
Source Domain: www.govtech.com
- The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is committed to expanding its use of generative AI after initial successful pilots.
- Marcie Kahbody, Deputy Secretary of Technology for CalSTA and Caltrans’ CIO, emphasized the comprehensive effort to integrate AI, likening it to learning to swim in the ocean due to the department’s extensive data management needs.
- Kahbody highlighted the creation of the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) position, previously held by Dara Wheeler, to oversee policy, governance, and cohesiveness in AI initiatives.
- Despite early pushback and reluctance, Caltrans’ proof-of-concept projects and consistent engagement helped demonstrate AI’s value, leading to broader adoption.
- Recently, 18,000 out of 23,000 Caltrans employees received access to Microsoft Copilot, up from an initial pilot involving only 100 people. There’s been a reported saving of about two and a half hours a week using the AI tool.
- CalSTA Secretary Toks Omishakin has tasked the department with creating a GIS data hub to streamline data access across various agencies under the CalSTA umbrella, focusing initially on work zone safety.
- The department is also developing an internal chatbot to facilitate navigation through the multitude of internal websites Caltrans staff use.
- The adoption of these AI solutions is dependent on collaboration and insights from industry partners, focusing on practical applications and problem-solving.
