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Philadelphia to Launch AI Camera Enforcement on SEPTA Trolleys Starting Monday

Officials say human-reviewed camera enforcement will clear trolley zones to improve safety and reliability.

Overview

  • Thirty trolleys on routes T1 through T5 and G1 will begin a warning period on March 2, with $51 fines for violations starting April 1.
  • Forward-facing Hayden AI cameras will capture images and license plates of vehicles blocking trolley lanes or stops, and PPA officers will review each case before issuing a notice.
  • The Philadelphia Parking Authority says this will be the first U.S. deployment of automated camera enforcement on trolleys.
  • The trolley rollout expands a program already installed on 152 SEPTA buses, where ticketing began last year and routes reported 3–6% speed improvements.
  • A 2023 pilot recorded 36,392 blockages in 70 days, and officials cite safety, accessibility, and congestion relief as key goals, noting trolleys cannot steer around parked cars.