It has been about seven months since new AI-powered camera were installed inside SEPTA buses.
In that time, the Philadelphia Parking Authority has issued more than 112,000 citations to drivers, write Ali Ingersoll and Claudia Vargas for NBC10 Philadelphia.
The cameras are mounted to over 100 SEPTA buses traveling around Center City and University City.
Through artificial intelligence, the cameras are able to identify illegally parked cars or those idling in bus lanes or at bus stops. From there, a PPA officer then reviews that images and videos in order to verify that an infraction had taken place. If confirmed, the driver will then receive a ticket in the mail.
“It’s important to make sure those bus lanes stay clear,” said Andrew Busch, a spokesperson for SEPTA. “That helps us not only provide reliable service, but it’s a safety issue as well.”
The most bus lane violations occurred along the city’s major roadways, including Chestnut and Market streets around Center City.
According to the PPA, more than 26,000 of its citations were issued in the city’s 10 locations alone.
SEPTA is reporting 3 to 6 percent improvement in bus travel times where tickets are being distributed.
NBC10 investigators found that PPA pays about $400,000 per month to HaydenAI for the cameras and other services.
Read more about the use and impact of the AI cameras at NBC10 Philadelphia.
_____
