[Nouvellecosse]

Originally Posted by craigs

AI-powered cameras installed on Metro buses to ticket illegally parked cars

Colleen Shalby
Los Angeles Times
April 24, 2024

Artificial intelligence-powered cameras are being installed on Los Angeles Metro buses to help ticket cars parked in bus lanes.

Testing is planned for this summer and the program is expected to go live by the end of 2024, Metro said, after two months of community outreach to “ensure that the public is aware of the purpose, timing and impacts of this new program.”

“Once cameras are installed, there will be a 60-day warning period for drivers. During the first 60 days, warning citations will only be used as informational notices and will not result in any violations,” the agency said.

The program, designed by technology company Hayden AI, is meant to improve bus times, increase ridership and address mobility concerns. Metro’s Board of Directors approved an $11 million-contract with the company last year to roll out 100 camera systems. The agreement started in December and is supposed to last roughly five years.

The cameras will be mounted inside Metro bus windshields to monitor for parked vehicles in bus lanes and at bus stops, in order to help enforce new parking rules after L.A. City Council approved a fine last year for those who illegally park in bus lanes.
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That's a good idea but I'm not sure why there's a 60-day warning period. I mean, it's already illegal to park in a bus lane isn't it? And couldn't doing so already result in a fine? It's not like a new law or penalty that people may not be aware of.