• Urbanize
  • Posts
  • Weekly Roundup: New AI Cameras to Auto-Ticket Chicago Bus Lane Blockers

Weekly Roundup: New AI Cameras to Auto-Ticket Chicago Bus Lane Blockers

CTA is rolling out AI-powered bus cameras to ticket vehicles blocking bus and bike lanes, aiming to improve overall street safety and transit efficiency.

Author

Urbanize Team
October 20, 2025

In partnership with

Your City. Your Market. Your Next Deal.

Stay up to date on national urban real estate

📅 Today's Story: The Chicago Transit Authority is piloting a new traffic enforcement program that uses AI-powered cameras mounted on buses to crack down on vehicles illegally parked in bus and bike lanes.

📢 Today's Sponsor: This edition of the Urbanize National Weekly Roundup is brought to you by Beehiiv. If you've ever wanted to write your own newsletter, Beehiiv was custom-built from the ground up to help you. MailChimp and Constant Contact just can't compare.

📝 Editor's Note: We're getting closer to rolling out our local newsletters in the same format as the national edition, and we're actively accepting sponsor inquiries for LA, Atlanta, Chicago, and more. Email [email protected] to learn more.

TRANSPORTATION


New AI Cameras to Auto-Ticket Chicago Bus Lane Blockers

Wikimedia Commons

📰 What Happened: Six CTA buses were outfitted with enforcement cameras from Hayden AI, marking the start of a 30-day warning period that began October 16. First-time violators will receive a warning. But starting November 14, repeat offenders will be fined. The cameras automatically flag violations, then reviewed by city staff, before citations are issued.

🔍 A Closer Look: The Smart Streets pilot aims to ease congestion, improve bus reliability, and enhance safety for cyclists and pedestrians by targeting behaviors that slow transit and endanger other drivers and pedestrians. This approach aligns with broader Vision Zero goals and reflects a growing trend in major metros to automate lane enforcement.

🧠 Why It Matters: Chicago insists this isn’t a revenue generator, but a necessary safety initiative. In any city where slow buses and unsafe bike routes discourage transit use, keeping lanes clear is a critical step toward safer, more efficient streets. If successful, this AI camera pilot could expand citywide and serve as a model for other urban transit systems nationwide.

TODAY'S SPONSOR


Beehiiv: The Game is Changing

Email Was Only the Beginning

Four years in the making. One event that will change everything.

On November 13, beehiiv is redefining what it means to create online with their first-ever virtual Winter Release Event.

This isn’t just an update or a new feature. It’s a revolution in how content is built, shared, and owned. You don’t want to miss this.

 

Atlanta

Chicago

Los Angeles