According to Metro Magazine, the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) is expanding its use of AI-powered cameras on buses to enforce parking regulations in bus lanes and stops. Starting August 7, 2024, 100 buses will be equipped with AI cameras to detect and issue citations for vehicles illegally parked or stopped at bus stops. This expansion follows a successful evaluation of the technology's effectiveness on AC Transit's Tempo Line 1T, the highest ridership line, which previously used similar technology.

The AI system, developed by Hayden AI, utilizes computer vision to monitor and identify violations in real-time. The cameras record a 10-second video, capture a photo of the vehicle’s license plate, and log the time and location of the incident. This evidence is then securely transmitted to law enforcement officials who review it and decide whether to issue a citation. Initially, violators will receive warnings, but starting October 7, 2024, they will be fined $110.

This initiative follows the passing of AB 917, which allows transit agencies in California to use forward-facing cameras for issuing citations. The AI technology has already shown significant improvements in citation efficiency compared to the previous manual system. In just over a month, the AI cameras documented over 1,100 potential violations, resulting in nearly 800 citations.

To address privacy concerns, AC Transit ensures that the cameras do not capture any interior bus activities and that images unrelated to violations are destroyed within 15 days. The technology does not use facial recognition or other biometric capabilities. AC Transit's move to AI enforcement aims to enhance safety and efficiency, ensuring clear bus lanes for smooth transit operations.