Smart and Sustainable Transportation Based on Artificial Intelligence in Big Cities : A Case Study of Isfahan, Iran
Received: 13-09-2025
Revised: 07-02-2026
Accepted: 12-02-2026
Published in Issue 30-09-2026
Published Online: 15-02-2026
Copyright (c) 2025 Hourivash Ghaderi, Ahmad Biyabani Dehkordi (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive framework for deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to advance smart and sustainable urban transportation, using Isfahan, Iran, as a case study. The research designs and proposes a multi-model AI architecture, utilizing Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) with LSTM layers for high-accuracy (target >80%) short-term traffic prediction, Deep Reinforcement Learning for adaptive signal control that incorporates BRT priority, and XGBoost for passenger demand forecasting. A phased implementation plan is outlined, integrating these models with Isfahan's existing BRT data infrastructure through a microservices architecture. The projected environmental impact, calculated via a tailored emissions model, indicates targeted reductions of 20% in CO₂ emissions and 18% in fuel consumption. A socio-economic cost-benefit analysis forecasts a substantial benefit-cost ratio (BCR > 2.5) by optimizing travel time, safety, and operational costs. The study critically addresses implementation challenges, including data governance, computational demands, and algorithmic bias, providing a replicable blueprint for AI-driven urban mobility that balances efficiency, equity, and environmental sustainability.
Keywords
- Smart,
- Sustainable Transportation,
- Artificial Intelligence,
- Big Cities,
- Isfahan,
- Iran
References
- Diaz Schery CA, Caiado RG, Corseuil ET, Ivson P, Bueno A. A novel BIM maturity model integrating Industry 4.0 and sustainability: a design science research approach. Eng. Constr. Archit. Manag. 2025 Apr 22.
- Desa U. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. World population prospects. 2015.
- Creutzig F, Fernandez B, Haberl H, Khosla R, Mulugetta Y, Seto KC. Beyond technology: demand-side solutions for climate change mitigation. Annu. Rev. Environ. Resour. 2016; 41(1): 173-198.
- Metz B, Davidson OR, Bosch PR, Dave R, Meyer LA. Contribution of Working Group III to the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
- Vlahogianni EI, Karlaftis MG, Golias JC. Short-term traffic forecasting: where we are and where we're going. Transp. Res. Part C Emerg. Technol. 2014; 43: 3-19. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2014.01.005
- Li L, Su X, Wang Y, Lin Y, Li Z, Li Y. Robust causal dependence mining in big data network and its application to traffic flow predictions. Transp. Res. Part C Emerg. Technol. 2015; 58: 292-307. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2015.03.035
- Papageorgiou M, Diakaki C, Dinopoulou V, Kotsialos A, Wang Y. Review of road traffic control strategies. Proc. IEEE. 2003; 91(12): 2043-2067. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/JPROC.2003.819610
- Schwab K. The fourth industrial revolution. Geneva: World Economic Forum; 2016.
- Russell S, Norvig P. Artificial intelligence: a modern approach. 4th ed. Hoboken (NJ): Pearson; 2021.
- Batty M. Big data, smart cities and city planning. Dialogues Hum. Geogr. 2013; 3(3): 274-279. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/2043820613513390
- Hashem IAT, Chang V, Anuar NB, Adewole K, Yaqoob I, Gani A, et al. The role of big data in smart city. Int. J. Inf. Manage. 2016; 36(5): 748-758. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2016.05.002
- Mohri M, Rostamizadeh A, Talwalkar A. Foundations of machine learning. 2nd ed. Cambridge (MA): MIT Press; 2018.
- Bojarski M, Del Testa D, Dworakowski D, Firner B, Flepp B, Goyal P, et al. End to end learning for self-driving cars. arXiv. 2016; arXiv: 1604.07316.
- Janai J, Güney F, Behl A, Geiger A. Computer vision for autonomous vehicles: problems, datasets and state of the art. Found. Trends Comput. Graph. Vis. 2020; 12(1-3): 1-308. doi: https://doi.org/10.1561/0600000079
- Lv Y, Duan Y, Kang W, Li Z, Wang FY. Traffic flow prediction with big data: a deep learning approach. IEEE Trans. Intell. Transp. Syst. 2015; 16(2): 865-873. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/TITS.2014.2345663
- Ma X, Tao Z, Wang Y, Yu H, Wang Y. Long short-term memory neural network for traffic speed prediction using remote microwave sensor data. Transp. Res. Part C Emerg. Technol. 2015; 54: 187-197. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2015.03.014
- Arel I, Liu C, Urbanik T, Kohls AG. Reinforcement learning-based multi-agent system for network traffic signal control. IET Intell. Transp. Syst. 2010; 4(2): 128-135. doi: https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-its.2009.0070
- Genders W, Razavi S. Using a deep reinforcement learning agent for traffic signal control. arXiv. 2016; arXiv: 1611.01142.
- Jittrapirom P, Caiati V, Feneri AM, Ebrahimigharehbaghi S, Alonso González MJ, Narayan J. Mobility as a service: a critical review of definitions, assessments of schemes, and key challenges. Urban Plan. 2017; 2(2): 13-25. doi: https://doi.org/10.17645/up.v2i2.931
- Kenesei Z, Kökény L, Ásványi K, Jászberényi M. The central role of trust and perceived risk in the acceptance of autonomous vehicles in an integrated UTAUT model. Eur. Transp. Res. Rev. 2025; 17(1): 8.
- Nam T, Pardo TA. Conceptualizing smart city with dimensions of technology, people, and institutions. In: Proceedings of the 12th Annual International Digital Government Research Conference: Digital Government Innovation in Challenging Times; 2011; College Park, MD, USA. p. 282-291. doi: https://doi.org/10.1145/2037556.2037602
- Albino V, Berardi U, Dangelico RM. Smart cities: definitions, dimensions, performance, and initiatives. J. Urban Technol. 2015; 22(1): 3-21.doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/10630732.2014.942092
- Frendo O, Graf J, Gaertner N, Stuckenschmidt H. Data-driven smart charging for heterogeneous electric vehicle fleets. Energy AI. 2020; 1: 100007. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyai.2020.100007
- Xydas E, Marmaras C, Cipcigan LM. A multi-agent based scheduling algorithm for adaptive electric vehicles charging. Appl. Energy. 2016; 177: 354-365. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2016.05.034
- Batty M. Digital twins. Environ. Plan. B Urban Anal. City Sci. 2018; 45(5): 817-820. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/2399808318796416
- Kaewunruen S, Rungskunroch P, Welsh J. A digital-twin evaluation of net zero energy building for existing buildings. Sustainability. 2018; 11(1): 159. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/su11010159
- Gössling S. Why cities need to take road space from cars and how this could be done. J. Urban Des. 2020; 25(4): 443-448. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/13574809.2020.1728204
- Zhang R, Fujimori S, Dai H, Hanaoka T. Contribution of the transport sector to climate change mitigation: insights from a global passenger transport model coupled with a computable general equilibrium model. Appl. Energy. 2018; 211: 76-88. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.10.103
- Wiegand G, Eiband M, Haubelt C, Hussmann H. “I'd like an explanation for that!” - Exploring reactions to unexpected autonomous driving. In: 22nd International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices and Services; 2020; Oldenburg, Germany. p. 1-12. doi: https://doi.org/10.1145/3379503.3403554
- Pereira RH, Karner A. Transportation equity. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 2021.
- Cui L, Xie G, Qu Y, Gao L, Yang Y. Security and privacy in smart cities: challenges and opportunities. IEEE Access. 2018; 6: 46134-46145. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2018.2862985
- Gunning D, Stefik M, Choi J, Miller T, Stumpf S, Yang GZ. XAI—Explainable artificial intelligence. Sci. Robot. 2019; 4(37): eaay7120. doi: https://doi.org/10.1126/scirobotics.aay7120
- Kitchin R. The ethics of smart cities and urban science. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. A Math. Phys. Eng. Sci. 2016; 374(2083): 20160115. doi: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2016.0115
- Strubell E, Ganesh A, McCallum A. Energy and policy considerations for modern deep learning research. In: Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence; 2020; 34(09): 13693-13696. doi: https://doi.org/10.1609/aaai.v34i09.7123
- Gärling T, Steg L, editors. Threats from car traffic to the quality of urban life: problems, causes and solutions. Bingley: Emerald Group Publishing Limited; 2007.
- Goodwin PB. Empirical evidence on induced traffic. Transportation. 1996; 23(1): 35-54.
- Downs A. The law of peak-hour expressway congestion. Traffic Q. 1962; 16(3): 393-409.
- Thomson JM. Great cities and their traffic. London: Gollancz; 1977.
- Vickrey WS. Congestion theory and transport investment. Am. Econ. Rev. 1969; 59(2): 251-260.
- Goh M. Congestion management and electronic road pricing in Singapore. J. Transp. Geogr. 2002; 10(1): 29-38. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0966-6923(01)00036-1
- Santos G, Shaffer B. Preliminary results of the London congestion charging scheme. Public Works Manag. Policy. 2004; 9(2): 164-181. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/1087724X04268569
- Eliasson J. The role of attitude structures, direct experience, and framing for successful congestion pricing. Transp. Res. Part A Policy Pract. 2014; 67: 81-95. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2014.06.007
- Herring R, Hofleitner A, Abbeel P, Bayen A. Estimating arterial traffic conditions using sparse probe data. In: 13th International IEEE Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems; 2010; p. 929-936. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/ITSC.2010.5625095
- Pelletier MP, Trépanier M, Morency C. Smart card data use in public transit: a literature review. Transp. Res. Part C Emerg. Technol. 2011; 19(4): 557-568. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2010.12.003
- Jacobson LN, Nihan NL, Bender JD. Detecting erroneous loop detector data in a freeway traffic management system. 1990.
- Calabrese F, Di Lorenzo G, Liu L, Ratti C. Estimating origin-destination flows using opportunistically collected mobile phone location data from one million users in Boston metropolitan area.
- Zheng Y, Capra L, Wolfson O, Yang H. Urban computing: concepts, methodologies, and applications. ACM Trans. Intell. Syst. Technol. 2014; 5(3): 1-55. doi: https://doi.org/10.1145/2629592
- Zaharia M, Xin RS, Wendell P, Das T, Armbrust M, Dave A, et al. Apache Spark: a unified engine for big data processing. Commun. ACM. 2016; 59(11): 56-65. doi: https://doi.org/10.1145/2934664
- Saghrje ON, Karan O, Kurnaz S, Turkben AK. Support vector machines (SVM) in traffic prediction for intelligent transportation systems-a comprehension review. In: 2025 7th International Congress on Human-Computer Interaction, Optimization and Robotic Applications (ICHORA); 2025; p. 1-7. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/ICHORA63672.2025.00015
- Dabiri S, Heaslip K. Inferring transportation modes from GPS trajectories using a convolutional neural network. Transp. Res. Part C Emerg. Technol. 2018; 86: 360-371. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2017.11.021
- Zhao Z, Chen W, Wu X, Chen PC, Liu J. LSTM network: a deep learning approach for short-term traffic forecast. IET Intell. Transp. Syst. 2017; 11(2): 68-75. doi: https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-its.2016.0208
- Fu R, Zhang Z, Li L. Using LSTM and GRU neural network methods for traffic flow prediction. In: 2016 31st Youth Academic Annual Conference of Chinese Association of Automation (YAC); 2016; p. 324-328. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/YAC.2016.7804912
- Jiang W, Luo J. Graph neural network for traffic forecasting: a survey. Expert Syst. Appl. 2022; 207: 117921. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2022.117921
- Yu B, Yin H, Zhu Z. Spatio-temporal graph convolutional networks: a deep learning framework for traffic forecasting. arXiv. 2017; arXiv: 1709.04875. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2017.09.020
- Aslani M, Mesgari MS, Wiering M. Adaptive traffic signal control with actor-critic methods in a real-world traffic network with different traffic disruption events. Transp. Res. Part C Emerg. Technol. 2017; 85: 732-752.
- Genders W, Razavi S. Evaluating reinforcement learning state representations for adaptive traffic signal control. Procedia Comput. Sci. 2018; 130: 26-33. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2018.04.009
- Liang X, Du X, Wang G, Han Z. A deep reinforcement learning network for traffic light cycle control. IEEE Trans. Veh. Technol. 2019; 68(2): 1243-1253. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/TVT.2018.2890726
- Wu C, Kreidieh AR, Parvate K, Vinitsky E, Bayen AM. Flow: a modular learning framework for mixed autonomy traffic. IEEE Trans. Robot. 2022; 38(2): 1270-1286. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/TRO.2021.3087314
- Li M, Zou M, Li H. Urban travel behavior study based on data fusion model. In: Data-driven solutions to transportation problems. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 2019. p. 111-135. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-817026-7.00006-5
- Anselin L. Local indicators of spatial association-LISA. Geogr. Anal. 1995; 27(2): 93-115. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1538-4632.1995.tb00338.x
- Ibarra-Rojas OJ, Delgado F, Giesen R, Muñoz JC. Planning, operation, and control of bus transport systems: a literature review. Transp. Res. Part B Methodol. 2015; 77: 38-75. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trb.2015.03.002
- Ma TY, Fang Y. Survey of charging management and infrastructure planning for electrified demand-responsive transport systems: methodologies and recent developments. Eur. Transp. Res. Rev. 2022; 14(1): 36. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12544-022-00570-5
- Irnich S, Toth P, Vigo D. Chapter 1: the family of vehicle routing problems. In: Vehicle routing: problems, methods, and applications. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics; 2014. p. 1-33. doi: https://doi.org/10.1137/1.9781611973594.ch1
- Eckhardt J, Aapaoja A, Nykänen L, Sochor J. Mobility as a service business and operator models. In: 12th European Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems; 2017; Strasbourg, France. p. 19-22.
- Polydoropoulou A, Pagoni I, Tsirimpa A, Roumboutsos A, Kamargianni M, Tsouros I. Prototype business models for mobility-as-a-service. Transp. Res. Part A Policy Pract. 2020; 131: 149-162. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2019.09.035
- Dong G, Ma J, Wei R, Haycox J. Electric vehicle charging point placement optimisation by exploiting spatial statistics and maximal coverage location models. Transp. Res. Part D Transp. Environ. 2019; 67: 77-88. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2018.10.020
- Habib S, Khan MM, Abbas F, Sang L, Shahid MU, Tang H. A comprehensive study of implemented international standards, technical challenges, impacts and prospects for electric vehicles. IEEE Access. 2018; 6: 13866-13890. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2018.2812303
- Arrieta AB, Díaz-Rodríguez N, Del Ser J, Bennetot A, Tabik S, Barbado A, et al. Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI): concepts, taxonomies, opportunities and challenges toward responsible AI. Inf. Fusion. 2020; 58: 82-115. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inffus.2019.12.012
- Samek W, Montavon G, Vedaldi A, Hansen LK, Müller KR, editors. Explainable AI: interpreting, explaining and visualizing deep learning. Cham: Springer Nature; 2019. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28954-6
- Buolamwini J, Gebru T. Gender shades: intersectional accuracy disparities in commercial gender classification. In: Conference on Fairness, Accountability and Transparency; 2018; p. 77-91.
- Green B, Chen Y. The principles and limits of algorithm-in-the-loop decision making. Proc. ACM Hum.-Comput. Interact. 2019; 3(CSCW): 1-24. doi: https://doi.org/10.1145/3359152
- Zhang K, Ni J, Yang K, Liang X, Ren J, Shen XS. Security and privacy in smart city applications: challenges and solutions. IEEE Commun. Mag. 2017; 55(1): 122-129. doi: https://doi.org/10.1109/MCOM.2017.1600267CM
- Voigt P, Von dem Bussche A. The EU general data protection regulation (GDPR): a practical guide. 1st ed. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2017. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57959-7
- Lacoste A, Luccioni A, Schmidt V, Dandres T. Quantifying the carbon emissions of machine learning. arXiv. 2019; arXiv: 1910.09700.
- Schwartz R, Dodge J, Smith NA, Etzioni O. Green AI. Commun. ACM. 2020; 63(12): 54-63. doi: https://doi.org/10.1145/3411839
- Mousavi SA, Varnamkhasti MJ, Aghajani M. The role of integrated environmental management systems (IEMS) in promoting human resource sustainability in the Assaluyeh oil field. Int. J. Math. Model. Comput. 2025; 15(3): 181-197.
- Mousavi SA, Varnamkhasti MJ, Aghajani M. Leveraging educational technologies for human capital sustainability: a case study of the Assaluyeh oilfield's workforce training initiatives.
- Mousavi SA, Varnamkhasti MJ, Aghajani M. Evaluating human capital sustainability in the Asaluyeh oil field: strategies for effective policy implementation. Int. J. Math. Model. Comput. 2025; 15(1): 29-47.
- Naser MM, Varnamkhasti MJ, Mohammed HJ, Aghajani M. Artificial intelligence as a catalyst for operational excellence in Iraqi industries: implementation of a proposed model. Int. J. Math. Model. Comput. 2024; 14(2).
- Alsaedi AG, Varnamkhasti MJ, Mohammed HJ, Aghajani M. Data mining classification techniques to improve decision-making processes. Int. J. Math. Model. Comput. 2024; 14(4): 363-380.
- Kitchenham B, Charters S. Guidelines for performing systematic literature reviews in software engineering technical report. Software Engineering Group, EBSE Technical Report. Keele University and Department of Computer Science, University of Durham; 2007.
- Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. BMJ. 2009; 339: b2535. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b2535
- Khayamim R, Shetab-Boushehrib SN, Hosseininasab SM, Karimi H. A sustainable approach for selecting and timing the urban transportation infrastructure projects in large-scale networks: a case study of Isfahan, Iran. Sustain. Cities Soc. 2020; 53: 101981.
- Salavati A, Haghshenas H, Ghadirifaraz B, Laghaei J, Eftekhari G. Applying AHP and clustering approaches for public transportation decision-making: a case study of Isfahan city. J. Public Transp. 2016; 19(4): 38-55.
- Mansourianfar MH, Haghshenas H. Micro-scale sustainability assessment of infrastructure projects on urban transportation systems: case study of Azadi district, Isfahan, Iran. Cities. 2018; 72: 149-159.
- Naghdbishi R. Investigation of sustainability in road transportation: a case study in Isfahan, Iran. Neurosci. J. Shefaye Khatam. 2014.
- Popay J, Roberts H, Sowden A, Petticrew M, Arai L, Rodgers M, et al. Guidance on the conduct of narrative synthesis in systematic reviews. Version 1. Lancaster: ESRC Methods Programme; 2006.
- Luo W, Phung D, Tran T, Gupta S, Rana S, Karmakar C, et al. Guidelines for developing and reporting machine learning predictive models in biomedical research: a multidisciplinary view. J. Med. Internet Res. 2016; 18(12): e323.
- Moons KG, Wolff RF, Riley RD, Whiting PF, Westwood M, Collins GS, et al. PROBAST: a tool to assess risk of bias and applicability of prediction model studies: explanation and elaboration. Ann. Intern. Med. 2019; 170(1): W1-W33.
10.57647/ijm2c.2026.1603.21
