The city is adding cameras to transit buses as part of a pilot program aimed at stopping drivers from blocking bus lanes.
The Chicago Transit Authority is adding traffic enforcement cameras to six of its buses as part of a pilot program using traffic cameras to prevent drivers from parking or stopping in bus lanes, reports Kade Heather in the Chicago Sun-Times.
“Drivers will be issued a warning for the first violation, then will receive a ticket in the mail for any subsequent offenses. A 30-day warning period began Wednesday, meaning all drivers hit with a violation will receive a warning notice until Nov. 14, when any subsequent violators will begin receiving fines.” The city is using technology from Hayden AI to identify bus lane violations, which are then reviewed by city employees before warnings or citations are issued.
According to CTA, the program is aimed at improving road safety rather than raising revenue. “By keeping bus and bike lanes clear of illegally parked vehicles, the Smart Streets pilot helps us protect our most vulnerable road users while improving the daily commute for riders across the city,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.
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