Sacramento enforces AI-powered bus stop violations
22 February 2025
by Jonathan Andrews
Full enforcement is now in place for Sacramento’s AI-powered Bus Stop Enforcement Program, ensuring bus stops remain clear and accessible for public transit users.
The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), in partnership with the City of Sacramento, has transitioned from issuing warnings to citing violators, aiming to enhance safety and reliability across the transit network.
“Keeping bus stops clear is critical to ensuring the safety and accessibility of our transit system,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “This programme is a significant step forward in creating a safer, more reliable experience for our riders and bus operators while promoting sustainable and efficient public transit.”
Illegally parked vehicles at bus stops force operators to pick up and drop off passengers in unsafe locations, disproportionately impacting individuals with mobility challenges.
Since the programme’s soft launch in December, SacRT has issued 2,740 warnings to violators over two months. Drivers parked in bus stops will now face US$100 fines.
AI-powered cameras on 100 buses
SacRT has equipped 100 buses with AI-powered, front-facing cameras from Hayden AI to automatically detect and record violations. The cameras capture video footage, license plate images, and location data, which is then reviewed by the City of Sacramento for citation processing.
State law grants California transit agencies the authority to use AI-driven cameras for parking enforcement in transit zones.
Expanding to bike lane violations
Beyond bus stops, the AI-powered programme will also address illegal parking in bike lanes, improving safety for cyclists and supporting sustainable transport initiatives.
Sacramento now joins cities like Oakland, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and New York in leveraging AI technology to improve urban mobility.
“The City of Sacramento is committed to keeping bus stops clear to ensure rider safety and prevent transit delays caused by illegally parked vehicles which create hazardous conditions for riders and delay transit service,” said Staci Hovermale, Parking Manager, City of Sacramento. “Through our partnership with SacRT, we are addressing these challenges head-on, enhancing efficiency and reliability for everyone who depends on public transit and bike lanes.”
Image: Chris Nolan | Dreamstime.com
