Beginning May 1, 2025 the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) is launching artificial intelligence-powered cameras on SEPTA buses that will ticket drivers who park in bus lanes.
These smart cameras will capture images of cars stopped in bus lanes and parked at bus stops. The photos will be reviewed by PPA staff and violation notices sent out.
Crews are mounting the AI cameras on 150 SEPTA buses and more than 20 trolleys. The cameras will be activated in mid-April capturing images of cars stopped in bus lanes and parked at bus stops. The photos will be reviewed by PPA staff, and violation notices sent out. After a two-week warning period the PPA’s target date to start enforcement is May 1.
A car parked in an actual bus lane that’s stopping and hindering traffic will result in a $101 ticket. Double-parking in Center City is a $76 ticket.
In 2023 SEPTA partnered with Hayden AI – a leader in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies on a 60-day camera-assisted bus lane and stop technology pilot on Bus Routes 21 and 42.
There was no cost to SEPTA for the pilot program.
The camera system was mounted inside buses and will automatically detect illegally parked vehicles on the Chestnut Street and Walnut Street bus lanes and at bus stops.
The seven (7) SEPTA buses equipped with the pilot system have recorded on average over 4,000 incidences of parking in bus lanes or bus stops per week.
While no tickets were issued during the pilot program the demonstration helped to show the scope of the illegal parking problem impacting transit.
On November 9, 2023 then Mayor Jim Kenney officiallyed sign into law Bill No. 230489 entitled “Camera-Based Enforcement System For Parking, Stopping, and Standing Violations That Interfere With Mass Transit.”
This city ordinance is what allows PPA and SEPTA to employ the use of camera-based parking enforcement technology on its buses to target illegally parked vehicles blocking transit stops and bus lanes with the goal of decreasing traffic congestion, improving traffic safety, and addressing the climate crisis in Philadelphia.
The ordinance allows for camera-based enforcement on Bainbridge and Spring Garden Streets from river to river as well as the entirety of JFK Boulevard, Walnut, Chestnut, and Market Streets.
This legislation improves transportation for all Philadelphians especially those with disabilities as parking infractions create prohibitive and dangerous scenarios for wheelchair users.
Blocked bus stops and curb ramps create serious safety and accessibility issues especially for seniors and riders with disabilities as bus operators cannot safely deploy the wheelchair access ramp when the bus stop is blocked.
Congestion equals wasted time! A typical bus rider spends 31 additional hours on the bus every year because of Center City congestion and the slower buses cost SEPTA an additional $15 million in operating costs every year.
Illegally parked and double-parked vehicles also throw buses off schedule. This is particularly true for trolleys – which unlike buses – cannot travel around a double-parked car blocking the travel lane.
This legislation also helps emphasize the fact that good public transportation is vital for community health and connectivity.
Bus speeds in Philadelphia average at 8mph – slower than national averages of 13-14mph – costing riders time and contributing to operating expenses. Every year congestion in Center City causes 1.7 million hours of passenger delay and adds $15.4 million to SEPTA’s operating costs.
Vehicles illegally parked at bus and trolley stops prevent accessible boarding and cause further delay by increasing boarding and alighting time.
Addressing illegal parking in bus lanes and at transit stops is expected to improve transit reliability, trip times, and safety and promote safe and accessible boarding.
This iniative is another innovative step forward to keep Philadelphians safe and traffic moving smoothly. These cameras will increase efficiency in our streets to make our city even more accessible. We are excited to partner with PPA on this important initiative.
About Hayden AI
We’re pioneering real world problem solving powered by AI and machine learning. From bus lane and bus stop enforcement to digital twin modeling and more, our clients use our mobile perception system to speed up transit, make streets safer, and create a more sustainable future. Our privacy first approach ensures that our technologies comply with security and privacy regulations and protect personal information while fostering innovation.
Hayden AI has deployed nearly AI-powered, bus-mounted camera systems in New York City for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) where the technology coupled with ticketing enforcement has significantly increased compliance with bus lane stopping and parking restrictions.
For more information about Hayden AI visit www.hayden.ai.