The Philadelphia transportation system is expanding a program utilizing AI-powered cameras to identify and ticket cars parked illegally in bus lanes.
Recently approved by the Philadelphia City Council, the “Camera-Based Protection System For Parking, Stopping, and Standing Breaches That Interfere With Mass Transit” law enables the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority to implement an artificial intelligence-powered camera system. This initiative follows a successful pilot program in the spring and has received Mayor Jim Kenney’s endorsement.
The system, developed in collaboration with the tech company Hayden AI, involves mounting AI-powered cameras on city buses to monitor vehicle lanes for unauthorized parking. During a 70-day trial in Center City, West Philadelphia, and Upper Darby, these cameras detected over 36,000 instances of blocked roads.
Philadelphia joins other cities like New York City and Washington, D.C., in adopting AI-driven technologies for driving protection. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York City and the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority have already deployed hundreds of AI-powered, bus-mounted camera systems.
Under the new law, Philadelphia’s transportation authority can deploy AI-powered devices on key city roads, including Bainbridge and Spring Garden Streets, JFK Boulevard, Walnut, and Chestnut Street.
City officials emphasize that the ordinance aims to alleviate traffic congestion, improve customer safety, and address environmental concerns. Additionally, the initiative seeks to enhance transportation accessibility for all residents, especially individuals with disabilities who face challenges due to parking violations.
