SEPTA Deploys AI Cameras on Trolleys to Catch Parking Violations

Philadelphia is the first city in the U.S. to use this enforcement approach on light rail vehicles.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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SEPTA and the Philadelphia Parking Authority are installing artificial intelligence cameras on trolleys across the city to identify and enforce instances of illegal parking that block trolley routes. The cameras will record license plate numbers and video footage of parking violations, which will then be sent to PPA officers for confirmation and ticketing.

Why it matters

Illegally parked vehicles often cause delays and disrupt service for thousands of SEPTA riders, forcing passengers into unsafe boarding conditions. This new AI-powered enforcement approach aims to improve trolley travel times and accessibility for riders.

The details

The trolleys will feature two cameras - one using AI to detect illegally parked vehicles and record their license plates, and another standard video camera that activates to record the infraction. The combined footage creates an 'enforcement package' that is sent to PPA officers for verification before a ticket is issued. SEPTA previously piloted a similar program on buses, recording over 36,000 parking violations in just over two months.

  • The new AI camera system on SEPTA trolleys will go into effect starting on Monday, March 2, 2026.
  • SEPTA first piloted the AI-powered parking enforcement initiative on buses in 2023.

The players

SEPTA

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, which operates public transportation services in the Philadelphia region.

Philadelphia Parking Authority

The agency responsible for parking enforcement and management in the city of Philadelphia.

Matthew Zapson

A manager of planning programs at SEPTA.

Rich Lazer

The executive director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

Hayden AI

The company providing the AI-powered cameras and technology for SEPTA's parking enforcement initiative.

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What they’re saying

“The trolleys are a really great use for this kind of enforcement because they can't get around a parked car.”

— Matthew Zapson, Manager of Planning Programs, SEPTA (whyy.org)

“A single illegally parked vehicle can disrupt service for thousands of riders and create unsafe boarding conditions that force passengers into moving traffic.”

— Rich Lazer, Executive Director, Philadelphia Parking Authority (whyy.org)

What’s next

SEPTA and the Philadelphia Parking Authority will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the new AI-powered parking enforcement system on trolleys, with the goal of expanding the program to other transit modes if successful.

The takeaway

This innovative approach to parking enforcement on public transit represents a proactive step by SEPTA and the city of Philadelphia to improve the reliability and accessibility of their trolley system for riders. By leveraging AI technology, the agencies aim to address a longstanding issue that has disrupted service and created safety concerns for passengers.