Tejal Somvanshi
Starting May 1, 2025, artificial intelligence will help keep Philadelphia’s bus lanes clear. The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) is installing AI-powered cameras on 150 SEPTA buses and more than 20 trolleys to ticket drivers who block bus lanes and stops.
How It Works
The smart cameras, developed by Hayden AI, will capture images of vehicles stopped in bus lanes or parked at bus stops. PPA staff will review these photos before sending violation notices. The technology is set to be activated in mid-April, with a two-week warning period before official enforcement begins.
“If a car is parking in an actual bus lane that’s stopping and hindering traffic, that’ll be a $101 ticket,” said PPA Executive Director Rich Lazer. “Double-parking in Center City is a $76 ticket.”
Proven Need Through Testing
This initiative follows a 60-day camera-assisted technology pilot in 2023, when SEPTA partnered with Hayden AI to test the technology on Bus Routes 21 and 42. The results were eye-opening: seven buses equipped with the system recorded over 4,000 violations per week.
“I think the threat of consistent enforcement goes a long way,” noted Matthew Zapson, a SEPTA product manager.
Legal Framework
Former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney signed the enabling legislation (Bill No. 230489) in November 2023. The ordinance allows camera-based enforcement on several major streets including Bainbridge, Spring Garden, JFK Boulevard, Walnut, Chestnut, and Market Streets.
Impact on Transit Performance
The stakes are significant for Philadelphia’s transit system:
- Bus speeds in Philadelphia average just 8 mph, well below the national average of 13-14 mph
- Center City congestion causes bus riders to spend 31 additional hours on transit annually
- Slower buses cost SEPTA an extra $15 million in operating costs every year
- Congestion in Center City causes 1.7 million hours of passenger delays annually
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Improving Accessibility
The program aims to address serious accessibility concerns. Blocked bus stops force people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, into dangerous situations when bus operators cannot safely deploy access ramps. This forces buses to stop in traffic lanes, creating safety hazards for all passengers who must board or exit.
“This legislation improves transportation for all Philadelphians especially those with disabilities as parking infractions create prohibitive and dangerous scenarios for wheelchair users,” SEPTA noted in its press release.
Technology Partner
Hayden AI, which specializes in AI and machine learning technologies, has already deployed similar systems in New York City for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. According to reports, the MTA has seen significant increases in compliance with bus lane restrictions since implementation.
Hayden AI highlights that their “privacy first approach ensures that our technologies comply with security and privacy regulations and protect personal information while fostering innovation.”
The Philadelphia deployment represents another major implementation of this technology, which aims to improve urban transit efficiency through automated enforcement.
