The Los Angeles City Council just authorized a major transit upgrade.
In a 13-1 vote, officials approved placing up to 50 automated cameras on city DASH buses.
This enforcement program kicks off November 1, starting with 30 buses covering downtown routes.
If you ride the A, B, D, E, F, or Pico-Union lines, expect a smoother trip.
Grace period for drivers
Do not panic about sudden tickets just yet. The city will issue warnings for the first 60 days.
A second phase rolls out after January 27, adding 20 cameras to buses in Crenshaw, Panorama City, Watts, and Koreatown.
During a recent pilot, LADOT recorded four violations per hour downtown. Illegally parked cars constantly slow down boardings and create traffic delays.
Privacy concerns and state law
The $3.43 million contract with Hayden AI faces some local pushback. Councilman John Lee opposed the measure over data privacy concerns, noting the contractor’s access to city data.
The program’s three-year lifespan also depends on pending state legislation. If Governor Newsom signs AB 1837, Los Angeles can operate the cameras through 2029.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Metro’s existing camera program has already generated $21 million in gross revenue and improved route speeds by nearly 10%.
