The City of Sacramento Tuesday began issuing citations to vehicles parked illegally in bus stops as part of the Bus Stop Enforcement Program, which first launched in December 2024. The program aims to improve rider safety, accessibility, and the reliability of Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) bus service.

During the 60-day warning period 2,740 warnings were issued to vehicles obstructing bus stops between Dec. 19, 2024, and Feb. 11, 2025. The enforcement effort, powered by AI-enabled camera systems provided by Hayden AI, ensures clear and accessible bus stops for all passengers, including those with mobility challenges.

“The City is committed to keeping bus stops clear to ensure rider safety and prevent transit delays caused by illegally parked vehicles,” said Parking Services Manager Staci Hovermale. “Through our partnership with SacRT, we are addressing these challenges head-on, enhancing efficiency and reliability for everyone who depends on public transit and bike lanes.”

Program details

• Citations began: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025
• Fine information: Citations will be mailed to the registered owner of vehicles detected blocking bus stops. The fine is $100.
• How it works: One hundred (100) SacRT buses are equipped with forward-facing cameras that use artificial intelligence to detect parking violations within the city of Sacramento. Evidence packages, including video, photos, and location data, are reviewed by the City before issuing citations.

“Keeping bus stops clear is critical to ensuring the safety and accessibility of our transit system,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “This program is a significant step forward in creating a safer, more reliable experience for our riders and bus operators while promoting sustainable and efficient public transit.”

Blocked bus stops force passengers to board or exit buses in unsafe areas, often into traffic, and can delay buses, impacting the entire transit system, according to SacRT. By keeping bus stops clear, SacRT ensures safer boarding for riders, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities, while improving overall service reliability.

The enforcement program also supports the City’s broader commitment to safer streets and sustainable transportation. In addition to bus stop violations, enforcement will expand later in 2025 to include vehicles blocking bike lanes.

The program aligns with similar enforcement initiatives in major cities like Oakland, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York City, where technology-driven solutions have significantly improved transit operations and street safety.

California-based Hayden AI provides the automated bus stop and bike lane enforcement camera systems for SacRT buses, while Duncan Solutions processes the violations.

“At Hayden AI, we are proud to support SacRT and the City of Sacramento in their mission to make public transit safer, more reliable, and more accessible for everyone,” said Charles Territo, chief growth officer at Hayden AI. “Our platform helps cities across the country change driver behavior and keep dedicated transit zones clear for buses. We are honored to help Sacramento deliver the benefits of clear, accessible bus stops to their riders.”

Under Assembly Bill 917 (AB 917), California transit agencies have the authority to use forward-facing cameras to enforce parking restrictions in transit-only lanes and designated transit zones. This legal provision allows SacRT and other agencies statewide to take significant steps toward improving transit safety and accessibility by ensuring that bus stops remain clear and accessible.

For more information about the program, visit sacrt.com/safebusstop.