CTA Expands Automated Bus Lane Enforcement Program to 52 Camera-Equipped Buses (Chicago, IL) – The Chicago Transit Board has approved a major expansion of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Automated Bus Lane Enforcement (ABLE) program, increasing the number of camera-equipped buses from six to 52 in an effort to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and traffic safety across the city.
The expansion is part of the City of Chicago’s Smart Streets pilot program, a partnership between the CTA, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), and the Department of Finance that uses automated cameras to identify vehicles illegally parked or standing in bus lanes, bike lanes, and bus stops.
Officials said the additional 46 camera-equipped buses will help reduce delays caused by illegally parked vehicles while making it easier for buses to safely pick up and drop off passengers, particularly those with disabilities.
“The ABLE program is making a real difference for our riders, especially riders with disabilities,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “It’s exactly the kind of investment that reflects what public transit should be: not just fast and reliable, but genuinely accessible. Because for many in our disability community, more dependable bus service isn’t a convenience. It’s independence.”
The expansion is supported by $1 million in funding provided through the newly created Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act and included in the Regional Transportation Authority’s amended 2026 operating budget. The NITA Act encourages investments in bus lane and bus stop enforcement infrastructure to improve transit reliability.
CDOT Commissioner William Cheaks Jr. said the expanded pilot will help the city evaluate new approaches to improving transportation operations.
“This expansion of the Smart Streets pilot program will further support efforts to keep our bus lanes clear, bus stops accessible, and our public way working as it should,” Cheaks said.
The newly equipped buses will initially operate on the #20 Madison, #36 Broadway, and #66 Chicago Avenue routes. Officials said the #8 Halsted route will be added after construction at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street is completed. Installation of the additional camera systems is expected to be finished this fall.
Each Hayden AI enforcement system includes an onboard processor and two windshield-mounted cameras capable of detecting vehicles blocking bus lanes, bike lanes, and bus stops. Potential violations are first reviewed by the technology vendor before being forwarded to the City of Chicago, which makes the final determination on whether to issue citations by mail. The CTA does not review violations or issue tickets.
According to the city, the Smart Streets pilot now covers approximately 19 square miles, including 1,300 bus stops, nearly 8 miles of dedicated bus lanes, and about 70 miles of protected bike lanes.
Between Oct. 15, 2025, and the end of May 2026, the existing ABLE systems recorded 21,686 warnings and violations within the pilot area.
Laura Salzman, chair of the CTA’s ADA Advisory Committee, said the technology has improved accessibility by helping buses safely deploy wheelchair ramps and reducing delays caused by blocked bus stops.
“As the pilot data has shown, automated bus lane enforcement improves reliability, swiftness, and capacity for buses to safely deploy ramps at bus stops to ensure accessible and safe boarding for people with disabilities,” Salzman said.
The two-year pilot program was authorized by the Chicago City Council and later expanded in early 2026. CDOT and the Department of Finance will submit a report to the City Council evaluating the program’s effectiveness and recommending whether it should become permanent or expand to additional areas of the city.
CTA Expands Automated Bus Lane Enforcement Program to 52 Camera-Equipped Buses
