PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — SEPTA is now the first transit agency in the nation to utilize AI-powered cameras on trolleys to detect vehicles illegally blocking tracks and trolley zones in Philadelphia.
Violators will be issued a warning for the time being before citations are issued in April.
SEPTA officials say they want to make sure trolleys run on time and that passengers are able to board safely.
These new cameras are now activated on 30 trolleys along lines T1 – T5 connecting West Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia to Center City. They are also on route G1.
The cameras also detect vehicles that are illegally parked in trolley zones at the end of a block.
The transit agency is warning drivers not to park where there’s a big “X” painted on the ground, which makes it unsafe for people getting on and off the trolley.
SEPTA is already using the same technology on more than 150 buses. It’s now the first in the nation to add them to trolleys.
Each violation is reviewed by a human who works for the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), and if verified, a warning or $51 citation will be mailed out.
Warnings will first be issued during March, with ticketing starting on April 1.
Tickets can be paid and disputed online at PhilaPark.org.
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