City of Chicago and CTA Expand Smart Streets Pilot with Automated Bus Lane Enforcement Technology Aimed at Improving Safety and Bus Service Reliability

CHICAGO - Starting today, six Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses are now operating with Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE) systems as part of the City of Chicago's Smart Streets pilot program. Launched last year by the City of Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department of Finance (DOF), the Smart Streets pilot program uses camera technology on City vehicles - and now CTA buses - to enforce parking and standing violations in bus and bike lanes. The program aims to improve safety for people walking, biking, and using transit, improving parking compliance, and enhancing the reliability and efficiency of public transit.

"Every Chicagoan deserves a transportation system that is safe, reliable, and efficient," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "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. This collaboration with CTA represents another step forward in using innovation to make our streets work better for everyone."

"We are excited to participate in this joint pilot initiative, reinforcing our commitment to finding new, innovative ways to provide our riders with a great CTA travel experience," said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. "Our goal is always to provide frequent, reliable bus service and this pilot investment, which will help deter drivers from using and blocking bus lanes, will help keep CTA employees and riders safe and result in shorter wait times."

The two-year pilot program, established by Chicago City Council ordinance, authorizes the City to ticket registered vehicle owners by mail for specific parking violations and includes, but is not limited to, bus and bike lane violations within the designated pilot area downtown. The pilot area is bounded by Lake Michigan, North Avenue, Ashland Avenue and Roosevelt Road. Drivers receive a warning notice for their first offense, with subsequent violations resulting in fines.

"This pilot is helping us evaluate how technology can make our streets safer and more efficient," said CDOT Acting Commissioner Craig Turner. "With the addition of CTA buses, we're expanding the program's reach to improve compliance in bus and bike lanes, supporting faster, more reliable service for riders and safer conditions for everyone who uses our streets."

This is the first time the program will deploy CTA buses with ABLE systems. This ensures a variety of routes, that serve the pilot area, are covered while prioritizing routes that utilize Loop Link (Washington, Madison, Clinton, Canal), Dearborn, Chicago Avenue, and other corridors with bus lanes, bike lanes and bus stops that see a high number of violations.

Hayden AI's ABLE system technology has been utilized by transit agencies both nationally and internationally, including New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Each system includes an on-board processor, along with two windshield-mounted cameras that allow the ABLE system to identify and record data capturing violations in bus lanes, bike lanes and bus stops. Hayden AI is responsible for performing a manual review of violations data before transferring data to the City of Chicago for final determination and violation issuance. The CTA is not involved in reviewing potential violations or issuing tickets.

Starting today, October 15, violations captured by cameras on CTA buses will result in a mailed warning. After the 30-day warning period, beginning November 14, drivers who have already received a zero-fine warning, through the City's Smart Streets enforcement, will receive a fine for any subsequent violations.

"By partnering across CDOT, CTA, and the Department of Finance, we're aligning safety, service, and sound administration," said City Comptroller Michael D. Belsky. "The addition of CTA buses expands coverage where it's needed most and supports faster, more reliable service."

The pilot is currently set to expire in December 2026. Before the pilot concludes, CDOT and DOF will provide a summary report to City Council, evaluating the effectiveness of automated enforcement, fee collection technologies and operational practices in improving parking compliance and enhancing traffic safety across all modes of transportation. More information is available at Chicago.gov/SmartStreets.

**B-roll footage available to download here.