SACRAMENTO, CA - The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is alerting drivers that the City of Sacramento will begin issuing citations to vehicles parked illegally in bus stops starting tomorrow, Tuesday, February 18, 2025. This marks the next phase of SacRT’s Bus Stop Enforcement Program, which launched in December 2024 to improve rider safety, accessibility, and the reliability of bus service across Sacramento.

Since the start of the program, in December, 2,740 warnings have been issued to vehicles obstructing bus stops between December 19, 2024 and February 11, 2025. The enforcement program, powered by advanced AI-enabled camera systems provided by Hayden AI, ensures clear and accessible bus stops for all passengers, including those with mobility challenges.

“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.”

Program Details

• Citations Begin: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
• Fine Information: Citations will be mailed to the registered owner of vehicles detected blocking bus stops. The citation 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 of Sacramento before issuing citations.

The enforcement program not only targets vehicles blocking bus stops but also extends to bike lane violations, supporting the City’s commitment to safer streets and sustainable transportation. Bike lane enforcement will begin later in 2025.

"The City of Sacramento is committed to keeping bus stops clear to ensure rider safety and prevent transit delays caused by illegally parked vehicles which create hazardous conditions for riders and delay transit service," said Staci Hovermale, Parking Manager, City of Sacramento. "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."

SacRT’s program joins 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 and Duncan Solutions provides the violation processing software.

“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.”

Why It Matters

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. By keeping bus stops clear, SacRT ensures safer boarding for riders, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities, while improving overall service reliability.

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.

Learn more about the program at sacrt.com/safebusstop.