ENSacRT’s AI Innovations
Making Transit Cleaner, Safer, and More Efficient
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a future concept at Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) it’s a practical tool we use every day to improve safety, streamline operations, and maintain a cleaner, more reliable transit system.
Our approach follows the guidance established by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Public Transit: AI Primer. SacRT integrates AI thoughtfully through carefully scoped pilot programs that evaluate challenges, costs, and alternatives before full deployment.
Today, we have three major AI-based programs in operation. All launched within the last two years and all are already producing measurable results, cost savings, and significant safety improvements.
AI Drone Program: Safety and Maintenance From the Sky
SacRT recently launched an AI-enabled drone pilot program featuring two specialized aircraft equipped with thermal imaging, 3D mapping, and intelligent analysis tools. These drones fly near‑daily patrols over SacRT rail corridors, stations, and facilities, identifying maintenance needs before they escalate.
Benefits include:
- Early detection of track and infrastructure issues
- Faster, targeted deployment of maintenance crews
- Fewer high-risk in-person inspections
- Lower staff time and operational costs
NEW: August 2026 – Drone Helps Stop Wire Theft in Progress
In mid-August 2026, SacRT’s drone program delivered an important safety and security success.
While conducting a routine Safety flight along the north area Blue Line, a drone operator spotted individuals actively stripping copper wire next to a silver SUV with visible damage. The operator immediately contacted SacRT’s Security Operations Center, which dispatched SacRT Police Service units to the location.
Officers arrived quickly, detained the individuals, searched the vehicle (due to probation status), and recovered multiple gauges of copper wiring and tools. While the wiring was ultimately determined not to be related to SacRT assets, the incident demonstrates the drone program’s real-time effectiveness:
- Suspicious activity was detected during the act, not after the fact
- Security responded immediately
- Rail infrastructure was protected from potential damage
- Trespass activity near tracks was promptly addressed
This event shows how AI-enabled monitoring is dramatically improving SacRT’s ability to protect critical infrastructure and prevent costly service disruptions.
AI Cameras on Buses: Reducing Illegal Parking & Improving Safety
One hundred SacRT buses are now equipped with forward‑mounted AI cameras that automatically identify vehicles illegally blocking bus stops and bike lanes, major hazards for riders, especially those with disabilities.
What makes SacRT’s program unique from other transit agencies using similar technology is its first-of-its-kind revenue‑sharing contract with private AI firms and local jurisdictions. This approach:
- Reduces illegal parking at bus stops
- Improves accessibility and safety, especially for individuals with disabilities
- Generates revenue for SacRT
So far, the program has identified 35,000 violations, returning $800,000 in revenue to SacRT while improving on-time performance and rider safety.
AI Bus Stop Monitoring: Cleaner Stops With Fewer Field Inspections
SacRT expanded its AI cameras this year to perform virtual inspections of bus stops and shelters, another first in the transit industry. As buses pull in, onboard cameras scan for conditions that impact rider comfort and perception such as:
- Safety hazards
- Garbage or illegal dumping
- Maintenance issues
- Graffiti
Instead of sending staff to look for issues, maintenance crews now receive exact GPS locations and detailed logs, allowing them to arrive prepared and resolve issues quickly.
This reduces crew scouting time, cuts operational costs, and helps keep our system cleaner and more welcoming.
Why SacRT is Leaning Into AI
SacRT is embracing creative thinking, entrepreneurial partnerships, and smart technology adoption to improve service to enhance service while reducing staff workload and lowering costs.
We are in the early stages of AI integration, as is the transit industry, but the results are already clear:
- Safer facilities
- Faster maintenance response
- Cleaner bus stops
- Fewer service delays
- Lower operational costs
AI is helping SacRT become a more modern, clean, and efficient transit agency, enhancing our reputation and improving the rider experience across the region.