Automated bus lane enforcement can increase transit ridership – and reduce emissions

Increasing transit ridership is one of the best ways to reduce transportation emissions. Here’s how automated bus lane and bus stop enforcement can help.

Greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing at an alarming rate over the past few decades. In the United States, transportation is the largest contributor to these emissions, according to the EPA. Cars and trucks are responsible for the majority of these emissions, but there is an impactful and equitable way to reduce them – by increasing public transportation ridership.

When more people use public transportation, the number of cars on the road decreases, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Studies cited by the EPA show that for every additional passenger mile traveled on public transportation, vehicle travel declines by 1.4 to 9 miles.

But how do we increase transit ridership? The solution is simple: improve the quality of transit service. This can be achieved by providing faster and more reliable transit options.

To attract people to public transportation over driving, transit must connect people to the destinations they need to reach – such as jobs, schools, healthcare, recreation and more – at all times of day. This frequent and reliable service gives people the confidence that a bus will arrive shortly after they arrive at the bus stop.This confidence gives people the freedom to move just as much as cars do – but without getting stuck in traffic.

One way to increase ridership is by speeding up bus service with automated bus lane and bus stop enforcement. This technology uses cameras to enforce bus-only lanes and transit zones, which helps buses avoid traffic congestion and maintain the bus schedule, ensuring that bus service is reliable and frequent. In New York City, where automated bus lane enforcement has been deployed since 2019, speeds have increased by as much as 36% on enforced bus routes. Hayden AI provides technology for camera-assisted bus lane enforcement for many MTA routes.

By improving transit service, more people will be encouraged to use public transportation instead of driving. In fact, better bus service is known to increase transit ridership – speed and reliability are riders’ top concerns, according to TransitCenter’s 2019 “Who’s On Board” report. Increasing transit ridership not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also reduces traffic congestion, improves air quality, and enhances public health. In addition, public transportation is much more affordable than owning and maintaining a car, so improving service increases access to opportunities for people who cannot drive or do not have cars.

Automated bus lane and bus stop enforcement is an important tool to increase public transportation ridership and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable and livable future for ourselves and future generations.