Bus lane violations in Los Angeles have surged, with more than 5,500 tickets issued since February under the city’s new enforcement program.
The Bus Lane Enforcement (BLE) program began in February and uses AI-powered cameras mounted on Metro buses to identify vehicles violating bus-only lane rules or parking illegally near bus stops.
According to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), BLE initially focused on Metro bus lines 212 (La Brea Avenue) and 720 (Wilshire Boulevard). Since March 10, enforcement expanded to lines 70 (Downtown LA to El Monte) and 910 and 950 (Harbor area).
Fines Total Over $1.6 Million
The online outlet LAist reported on March 28 that the number of tickets issued under BLE is nearly 10 times higher than during its pilot phase in November 2023. Based on the fine amount, LA may have collected over $1.6 million in additional revenue.
Each violation carries a fine of $293. Of this, LADOT receives 75%, while LA Metro receives the remaining 25%.
However, Anthony Crump, Metro’s Community Relations Manager, emphasized that the goal is not revenue. “The purpose of BLE is to reduce unauthorized use of bus lanes and improve transit efficiency,” he said.
Expansion Planned Near Koreatown
LADOT plans to expand BLE to areas including 6th Street near Koreatown, Aliso Street, Cesar Chavez Avenue, Flower Street, Figueroa Street, Grand Avenue, Olive Street, and Spring Street.
The AI cameras automatically detect violations and photograph license plates. The footage is sent to LADOT, where staff review it before issuing tickets.
If a violation is not confirmed, the footage is deleted within 15 days. In cases needing further review, data may be stored for up to 60 days.
Drivers on newly added routes will receive warning notices until May 9. After that, tickets will be issued at the full $293 amount. LADOT has not announced when enforcement will extend to additional routes.
Statewide Use of AI Camera Enforcement
The BLE system is also in use in Culver City and Sacramento. Its expansion became possible after Governor Gavin Newsom signed a 2022 law allowing AI cameras for parking enforcement.
Meanwhile, LA Metro approved a 12.4-mile bus-only lane project on Vermont Avenue, stretching through Koreatown, South LA, East Hollywood, and Sunset Boulevard. Metro estimates the dedicated lanes could reduce bus travel times by 24%, saving approximately 17 minutes. The corridor serves around 38,000 daily riders.
BY YEOL JANG [jang.yeol@koreadaily.com]
