AI Surveillance in Public Transport
Transportation officials are looking into proposals from tech companies regarding the integration of artificial intelligence for real-time surveillance of subway cars and buses. This initiative aims to utilize thousands of video feeds to enhance public safety, as outlined in recent documents.
Several responses to a request for information were submitted to the state Department of Transportation before the December 30 deadline. The city first reported on this development.
In a request made on December 5, the agency expressed interest in utilizing AI to detect weapons via live camera feeds, identify unattended items, and foresee “unusual or dangerous” activities, like sudden high-density crowds or other potential threats.
According to the MTA, there are over 15,000 cameras in roughly 472 subway stations, yet current surveillance methods remain largely manual and reactive. The agency emphasized the need for a shift towards a “proactive, intelligence-driven ecosystem.”
These proposals may lead to a more formal request for proposals in the future.
Additionally, the Transit Tech Lab, a collaborative initiative between the MTA and various transit agencies, recently sought a technology-focused approach for infrastructure management, aiming to enhance safety, compliance, and risk assessment.
This technological shift coincides with the MTA’s pilot testing of new fare gates that incorporate AI sensors designed to spot fare evasion.
Yet, there is pushback regarding this technology. Major watchdog organizations have voiced concerns over the reliability of AI tools, which have been connected to wrongful arrests and privacy infringements. Last year, demands arose for an examination of the NYPD’s facial recognition systems after a false match resulted in an unjust arrest.
Groups like the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (STOP) argue that these technologies often misidentify marginalized individuals, highlighting a concerning trend in AI surveillance.
On a different note, some private companies, including Macy’s and Fairway Market, are already employing AI to bolster security measures. Recently, Wegmans in Brooklyn announced plans to retain facial scans of its customers, sparking further debate.
A City Council bill was also rejected that aimed to ban biometric data collection entirely, an initiative led by Council Member Shahana Hanif in 2023.
