Assembly panel advances bill to keep transit-camera parking enforcement in place

Assemblymember Gonzales's AB 1837 would remove the statute's sunset allowing public transit agencies statewide to use forward-facing cameras to enforce parking violations in transit-only lanes and at bus stops.

Supporters told the committee the cameras have reduced bus delays and improved safety. Matt Robinson, legislative advocate with the California Transit Association, said the technology has helped agencies expand a 2021 pilot statewide and “adopted in statute agency enforcement discretion,” allowing review of images and appeals for hardship. He asked the committee for an "aye" vote.

Mark Vukovich of Streets for All said the pilot keeps bus lanes and stops clear so transit can “function as intended,” arguing the approach is scalable and reduces pressure on law enforcement. Several transit agencies and local transportation authorities also registered support.

During questioning, Assemblymember Jackson asked about the system’s error rate. Robinson said he would check with operators and noted that agencies built reviews, warning periods and an appeals process into the program. Committee members also noted that bicycle-lane and double-parking enforcement had been removed from the bill to limit error risk.

The committee moved AB 1837 to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection. Committee roll calls recorded a majority in favor (final tally reported in the hearing record).