Integrating Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Urban Transport: Regulatory Challenges and Smart City Initiatives

This article analyzes the integration of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) within urban transport systems, focusing on the intricate interplay between technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and smart city initiatives. It employs a systemic analytical approach, drawing from academic literature, policy documents, and global and local case studies (e.g., Vienna, Seoul, Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest) to highlight current trends, challenges, and solutions. The analysis details the foundational role of digital access, connectivity, and the application of AI and Big Data in optimizing traffic flow and resource management. Concurrently, it scrutinizes key regulatory hurdles, including liability in autonomous vehicles, data protection, privacy concerns, and the imperative for digital inclusion to prevent discrimination. The paper synthesizes the persistent gap between rapid technological evolution and slower legislative adaptation, emphasizing that addressing these regulatory challenges is crucial for fostering truly sustainable, equitable, and efficient urban development. Ultimately, it proposes policy recommendations, such as investing in integrated platforms, promoting public-private partnerships with robust oversight, and establishing adaptive regulatory bodies, to harmonize technology and governance for smart city transport.