Hayden AI will Assist LA Metro with Automated Bus Lanes and Bus Stop Rules

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by SPN Editor

Hayden AI, a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence and geospatial analytics, has recently announced a partnership with Los Angeles Metro (LA Metro). The collaboration involves the installation of AI-powered camera systems on buses within the City of Los Angeles for the enforcement of bus lane and bus stop rules. The initial deployment will see 100 systems installed this winter, with full operational capability expected by spring 2024.

The new system will be using cameras to monitor and enforce rules against cars parked in bus lanes. These cameras, powered by artificial intelligence, will be used to observe the positioning of parked cars in the bus lane. The system employs multiple cameras directed toward the windshield, working in conjunction with an onboard computer to provide real-time results.

With the new Hayden AI technology, Buses in Los Angeles will be equipped with AI cameras designed to automatically ticket vehicles parked in bus lanes. These cameras use artificial intelligence to observe the location of parked cars in the bus lane. The system incorporates multiple cameras that are directed toward the windshield, working in conjunction with an onboard computer to deliver real-time results.

As a bus passes a vehicle, the cameras scan and record the license plate. This information is then sent back to parking officials, who generate a ticket. The cameras boast an accuracy of up to 10 centimeters and can distinguish between stationary and moving vehicles.

Hayden AI, a leading player in the US market for mobile automated bus lane and bus stop enforcement, has already installed hundreds of its AI-powered camera systems on transit buses across the country. In New York City, where Hayden AI’s equipment is used on Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses, there has been a significant improvement in transit speeds (up to 40%) and a decrease in collisions (up to 34%) on streets with transit routes that utilize this technology.

Chris Carson, the CEO and founder of Hayden AI, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Our goal at Hayden AI is to leverage computer vision and geospatial technologies to create safer, more sustainable, and smarter cities. Our partnership with LA Metro is a significant step towards achieving this goal. Our technology enhances the efficiency, safety, and reliability of public transit, which is why transit agencies nationwide are choosing to work with us. We look forward to improving transit services for the people of Los Angeles.”

Hayden AI explained that the cameras are currently only able to compile evidence packages for local parking authorities to review and issue citations for bus lane and bus stop parking violations. This limitation is due to a law passed in California in 2021 (AB 917), which would need to be amended for the cameras to detect and send evidence to local authorities for other types of traffic violations.

While the technology is not authorized to automatically issue tickets, it will be utilized by LA Metro to streamline and enhance the enforcement process. The system is expected to be implemented shortly, with an official launch slated for Spring 2024.

This development follows the decision by the L.A. Council a year ago to impose a fine for illegal parking in bus lanes, which was reportedly operational by fall. Before January 2023, parking enforcement officers were not allowed to issue tickets to those parking in the lanes unless they also committed additional infractions.

In addition to enforcing bus lane rules, the City of Los Angeles will also be implementing automated bus stop enforcement, following in the footsteps of Washington, DC. This technology aims to deter illegal parking at bus stops, which can create unsafe and inaccessible conditions for individuals with disabilities. The use of bus-mounted camera enforcement has been shown to improve driver compliance with transit zone regulations.