Though we’ve been hearing about this new ticketing measure for a few months now, it just took a major step toward actual implementation: The L.A. City Council approved a measure this week that will allow A.I.-assisted cameras on Metro buses to automatically ticket drivers who illegally park in bus lanes.
Though no specific start date for the pilot program has been released, Streets Blog L.A. reports that citations will likely start in early 2025. The city will first need to embark on an outreach program and a 60-day warning period to precede actual ticketing efforts, basically notifying the public that the new measures will be taken seriously.
As for the exact price of the violations, the base fine is $293 and will cost drivers $381 with the added fees; that increases to $406 when involving late fees.
A partnership with Metro, the new program was tested earlier this year when on-bus cameras were first installed. According to Streets Blog L.A., “bus lane camera enforcement is expected to bring in an estimated $5 million in annual revenue.” The outlet also reports that, following expense coverage, 75% of the profits will be given to Metro and 25% will go towards the city of Los Angeles.
Clearly, authorities have had a hard time dealing with illegal parking on bus lanes. Here’s to hoping these new measures will change things.