In cities utilizing computer vision technology to monitor bus lanes for violations, drivers are being fined for parking in these lanes to quickly grab a coffee, as reported by Next City. The increased investment in bus lane infrastructure across the U.S. aims to improve travel times and minimize delays, yet drivers are disregarding the designated lanes.
According to a 2023 study by Philadelphia’s SEPTA, there were 36,000 violations recorded during a 70-day trial on two bus lines, causing delays for 10,000 riders with half of the bus stops being obstructed at least once. To address this issue, Hayden AI, a San Francisco-based startup, has introduced bus-mounted cameras programmed to capture vehicles blocking bus lanes. Several cities, including D.C., New York, Oakland, and Los Angeles, are already employing Hayden’s technology, with others in the process of acquiring similar systems.
Hayden’s Chief Growth Officer, Charley Territo, emphasizes the importance of enforcing the use of bus lanes given the significant investment in redesigning transportation networks. Leveraging AI technology has streamlined enforcement efforts, making it less labor-intensive. In a unique twist, buses themselves become enforcers by capturing images of violators blocking bus lanes.
The technology’s process involves mapping out bus route details, programming algorithms for onboard cameras to detect obstructions, and capturing evidence packages when violations occur. Every evidence package is scrutinized by humans to ensure accuracy, with machine learning enhancing the system’s ability to detect infractions over time.
While automated enforcement may not be favored by all drivers, advocates argue that ticketing violators benefits bus riders, particularly those with disabilities. Blocking bus lanes hinders access for individuals using wheelchairs, forcing buses to deploy ramps at unsafe angles. This obstructs people with mobility devices from boarding safely or at all, limiting their community participation and daily activities.
Kwanesha Clarke, an independent living specialist at Liberty Resources in Philadelphia, stresses the impact of blocked bus lanes on individuals with disabilities, highlighting the importance of ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all community members.
So far, pilot programs for bus lane enforcement have shown promising results in both improving bus efficiency and enhancing safety for all road users. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York has reported that their enforcement initiative has led to a 5% increase in bus speeds, a 20% reduction in collisions, and a decrease in emissions by as much as 10%. Moreover, the data indicates that over 90% of drivers who receive a ticket for violating bus lane regulations do not commit a repeat offense.
However, concerns have been raised regarding privacy implications associated with the use of cameras mounted on buses to monitor activity outside the vehicles. One company, Hayden AI, has addressed these concerns by clarifying that their system does not continuously record or transmit data to the cloud. The cameras installed on buses are programmed to only capture video footage when a vehicle is detected obstructing a bus lane. Additionally, Hayden AI has developed technology to blur faces and obscure license plates, features that have been requested by cities in Europe where the company has initiated pilot programs in various locations such as Gdańsk, Poland; Braga, Portugal; Tallinn, Estonia; and Barcelona, Spain.
Although Hayden AI’s approach to privacy protection has been well-received in Europe, transit agencies in the United States have expressed reservations about implementing similar measures, citing concerns about potential tampering with evidence. However, there is growing interest in adopting such technologies in California, indicating a potential shift in perspective among U.S. transit authorities.
Looking ahead, the application of computer vision technology for traffic enforcement could extend beyond bus lanes to include monitoring violations in bike lanes, double parking, and bus stop infringements. Vaibhav Ghadiok, co-founder and chief technology officer of Hayden AI, highlights the demand for enforcing regulations in various urban settings, such as paratransit bus stops, bike lanes, and loading zones, to enhance overall city efficiency.
Furthermore, Hayden AI envisions broader applications for their technology, including the potential for monitoring and managing street-level infrastructure like bus shelters and curbs. By utilizing real-time data captured by buses equipped with their systems, cities could promptly address maintenance issues such as broken glass or graffiti at bus stops, leading to improved urban upkeep.
This story was generated as part of the Equitable Cities Fellowship for Social Impact Design, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, in collaboration with Next City, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to covering solutions for creating more equitable cities. The content has been reviewed and distributed by Stacker, a platform that curates and publishes data-driven stories.
