Starting July 1, this coastal city will join a growing number of municipalities using artificial intelligence to crack down on drivers who illegally park in bus lanes.
The Big Blue Bus system will equip its vehicles with AI-powered cameras from Hayden AI, a technology firm specializing in automated traffic enforcement. The system will detect vehicles blocking bus lanes and stops, capturing evidence that will later be reviewed by human officers before citations are issued.
“Improving public transportation is one of the best things we can do to improve sustainability,” said Chris Carson, CEO and co-founder of Hayden AI. The company has already installed more than 650 camera systems on buses nationwide, including in New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
The move follows a 45-day pilot program along Lincoln Boulevard, where the AI system identified 511 parking violations—though no tickets were issued during the trial. The most frequent infractions occurred near Grant Street, where 90 violations were recorded.
Santa Monica’s initiative reflects a broader trend of cities integrating AI surveillance into urban management. A separate pilot program is already monitoring downtown areas for trespassing, theft, and vandalism, with staff using live feeds and loudspeakers to warn potential offenders before police intervention.
City officials say the bus lane enforcement aims to improve transit efficiency—data from other cities shows automated enforcement can increase bus speeds by 36% and reduce collisions by 34%. The program will begin with a warning period before full enforcement takes effect.
Revenue from fines will be reinvested in transit and safety programs, with the ultimate goal of reducing violations as drivers adjust to the new system.
For now, Santa Monica’s bus riders may soon find their commutes moving a little faster—assuming drivers stay out of the way.
AI News Monitor 
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