Technology giant IBM thinks Pittsburgh can become smarter about transportation.

As part of a three-year, $50 million program to tackle urban problems worldwide, IBM sent eight analysts to Pittsburgh to pinpoint the city’s transportation problems and devise technology-based solutions.

Analysts from the United States, India, Mexico and Norway will provide an estimated $400,000 worth of free technical help to the city through IBM’s Smarter Cities Challenge program…

 Diane Melley, an IBM vice president overseeing the effort, said the analysts would interview more than 40 groups and outline recommendations during an Oct. 12 presentation at Carnegie Mellon University. They intend to contribute to the city’s development of a comprehensive plan addressing transportation needs for the next 25 years, Melley said.