Chicago City Wire

Six Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses are now equipped with Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE) systems as part of the City of Chicago’s Smart Streets pilot program. This initiative, which began last year through a partnership between the City of Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department of Finance (DOF), uses camera technology on city vehicles—and now CTA buses—to enforce parking and standing violations in bus and bike lanes.

The main goal is to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users by ensuring that bus and bike lanes remain clear. The program also aims to enhance parking compliance and make public transit more reliable.

“Every Chicagoan deserves a transportation system that is safe, reliable, and efficient,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By keeping bus and bike lanes clear of illegally parked vehicles, the Smart Streets pilot helps us protect our most vulnerable road users while improving the daily commute for riders across the city. This collaboration with CTA represents another step forward in using innovation to make our streets work better for everyone.”

CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen stated, “We are excited to participate in this joint pilot initiative, reinforcing our commitment to finding new, innovative ways to provide our riders with a great CTA travel experience. Our goal is always to provide frequent, reliable bus service and this pilot investment, which will help deter drivers from using and blocking bus lanes, will help keep CTA employees and riders safe and result in shorter wait times.”

The two-year pilot was established by a City Council ordinance. It allows the city to issue tickets by mail for certain parking violations—including those involving bus and bike lanes—within a designated downtown area bounded by Lake Michigan, North Avenue, Ashland Avenue, and Roosevelt Road. First-time offenders receive a warning notice; repeat violations lead to fines.

“This pilot is helping us evaluate how technology can make our streets safer and more efficient,” said CDOT Acting Commissioner Craig Turner. “With the addition of CTA buses, we’re expanding the program’s reach to improve compliance in bus and bike lanes, supporting faster, more reliable service for riders and safer conditions for everyone who uses our streets.”

This marks the first use of ABLE systems on CTA buses. The routes covered include Loop Link corridors such as Washington, Madison, Clinton, Canal; Dearborn; Chicago Avenue; and other areas with high rates of lane violations.

Hayden AI provides the ABLE system technology used in this project. Their system includes an onboard processor with two windshield-mounted cameras that record potential violations in real time. Hayden AI manually reviews data before sending it to the City of Chicago for final determination on whether a violation occurred. The CTA does not participate in reviewing or issuing tickets.

Starting October 15th, any violations captured by cameras on CTA buses will trigger a mailed warning notice. After November 14th—following a 30-day warning period—drivers who have already received an initial warning will be fined for further offenses.

“By partnering across CDOT, CTA, and the Department of Finance, we’re aligning safety, service, and sound administration,” said City Comptroller Michael D. Belsky. “The addition of CTA buses expands coverage where it’s needed most and supports faster, more reliable service.”

The Smart Streets pilot is scheduled to end in December 2026. Before its conclusion, CDOT and DOF will submit a report evaluating how automated enforcement has affected parking compliance and traffic safety across all modes of transportation within the area.

More information about the program can be found at https://www.chicago.gov/SmartStreets.