AI-Powered Cameras Deployed to Catch Parking Violations at Bus StopsAI-Powered Cameras Deployed to Catch Parking Violations at Bus Stops

Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) and the city of Sacramento have deployed AI-powered cameras on buses to enforce parking regulations at bus stops throughout the city.

Up to 100 SacRT buses could be equipped with the technology provided by California-based Hayden AI. 

Unauthorized parking in bus stops can pose safety risks for bus travelers and SacRT employees, as well as barriers for people with disabilities and mobility challenges. 

For example, when bus stops are blocked, bus operators may be forced to load and unload passengers away from the curb, increasing the likelihood of accidents and delays. 

In a recent pilot study, SacRT buses encountered 286 parking violations obstructing bus stops. 

To tackle the problem, California transit agencies now have the authority to use forward-facing cameras to enforce parking restrictions in transit-only lanes and designated transit zones.

Buses equipped with AI-powered cameras could detect and record instances of unauthorized parking in the city’s bus stops. When a violation occurs, the system could capture a short video and a photo of the vehicle’s license plate, as well as the exact time and location of the incident. 

This information would be sent to the city of Sacramento for review and citation processing. Duncan Solutions is providing violation processing software. 

Related:AI-Powered Traffic-Management Adopted by Maryland

“This program will help improve accessibility for all riders, especially those with mobility needs, while keeping our transit service reliable and on schedule,” said SacRT general manager and CEO Henry Li. 

The program is also expected to enforce bike lane violations to decrease the number of vehicles obstructing bike lanes, starting later in 2025.

Chief growth officer at Hayden AI said it was an honor to use its technology to help cities and transit agencies improve safety and deliver accessible, reliable travel service.

“Hayden AI was created to solve a serious problem: vehicles blocking dedicated transit zones… we’re excited to bring this technology to Sacramento,” he said. 

The company provides AI and geospatial analytics technology. In July it raised $90 million in new growth equity financing.

.Sacramento joins Oakland, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York in deploying automated bus stop enforcement with bus-mounted camera systems.

This article first appeared in IoT World Today's sister publication AI Business.