Using AI Tools to Help Access Transportation in Tennessee

Posted on by Sheena Adams-Avery, CDT, CDP
The image shows a group of people boarding and exiting two city buses at a bus stop in an urban area. One bus has passengers stepping off, while another bus has a person in a wheelchair using the ramp to board. In the background, there is a large domed building with columns and an obelisk monument, suggesting a notable or historic location. The scene is bright and lively, with diverse individuals interacting around public transportation. Brief description: This image depicts a public transportation scene where people of different backgrounds and abilities are using city buses near prominent architectural landmarks. It highlights community interaction, features like wheelchair ramps, and the importance of public transit in connecting people within urban environments. This image was created by AI.

Transportation in Tennessee is entering a new chapter. Instead of spending hours on phone calls or digging through websites, people can now turn to tools powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to find the rides they need in minutes. From healthcare visits to work shifts to community events, AI is reshaping how Tennesseans connect to the places and people that matter most.

That’s where technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), is beginning to transform the way people access support. By streamlining the process, AI tools can help individuals quickly find the right ride with greater ease and less hassle, reducing the need to search multiple websites or make numerous phone calls.

James, a Knoxville resident who uses a wheelchair, struggled for years to arrange rides to his doctor’s office. He often had to call multiple providers, wait for return calls, and hope the schedule worked out. Recently, James tried the AI Keyword Search on Tennessee Disability Pathfinder. By simply entering “wheelchair transportation Knoxville,” he was immediately connected to local paratransit options and volunteer ride programs. Within minutes, he had contact details and scheduling information that used to take him days to track down.

Maria, a retired teacher in Memphis, relies on paratransit for grocery shopping and social activities. Before using AI-based scheduling, she had to plan trips a week in advance and coordinate with a volunteer driver. With AI-powered tools, Maria can now check available rides in real time and coordinate trips with minimal back-and-forth. For her, the technology has meant more independence and more time spent connecting with friends rather than navigating logistics.

AI is also helping transit systems work more smoothly behind the scenes. In Chattanooga, researchers partnered with CARTA to test AI-powered scheduling for paratransit. This technology shortens wait times, creates smarter routes, and helps drivers pick up and drop off riders more efficiently.

AI isn’t a replacement for human connection, but it can make transportation more efficient and reliable. For Tennesseans like James and Maria, it’s helping bridge the gap between mobility and independence.

AI alone can’t eliminate every transportation challenge, but it can make the journey to finding solutions easier, quicker, and more dependable. For riders like James and Maria, it means fewer obstacles, greater independence, and more opportunities to engage in the activities and relationships they value most. While AI can’t replace the importance of human connection, it can work alongside trusted resources like Pathfinder to help Tennesseans access the transportation they need, paving the way to healthcare, community involvement, and everyday freedom.

Helpful Resources from TNPathfinder

Explore TNPathfinder for more Transportation Resources using our AI Keyword Search Tool

Riders’ AI Journey

♿ James (Knoxville)
– Wheelchair user who struggled to schedule rides for medical appointments
– Uses TNPathfinder’s AI Keyword Search to locate paratransit and volunteer options
– Saves hours of planning, ensuring timely medical care

🛒 Maria (Memphis)
– Retired teacher coordinating grocery trips and social visits
– Uses AI tools to check ride availability in real time
– Gains independence and more time to connect with friends

Note on Illustrative Examples: The stories of James and Maria are illustrative examples created to demonstrate how AI tools and transportation resources can help Tennesseans with disabilities. They are based on patterns observed through Tennessee Disability Pathfinder’s information and referral work, but all identifying details have been changed or generalized to protect privacy in accordance with HIPAA and our confidentiality practices.

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