OCTA announces new AI detection program for carpool lane violators

The City Council meeting held on June 4, 2025, in Corona, Riverside County, addressed several key issues affecting local transportation and toll lane regulations.

The meeting began with a discussion on the performance of call centers, noting a decline in efficiency as fewer employees are working from home. The council member indicated that they would provide updated statistics to Mr. Moody, who has a vested interest in these metrics.

A significant topic of discussion was the impending expiration of the clean air exemption for electric vehicles using toll lanes, set to end on September 30, 2025. This change will require electric vehicle drivers to pay tolls unless federal legislation alters the current law.

The council also reviewed upcoming improvements planned by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for toll facilities, including new paving projects expected to commence later this year on the Riverside side.

Another critical point was the introduction of new technology by the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) aimed at detecting carpool lane violations. The council highlighted that nearly 40% of users in the "3 plus" lane do not comply with the occupancy requirement. RCTC is piloting a program utilizing thermal imaging and artificial intelligence to identify whether a third passenger is present in vehicles. If a violation is detected, offenders will face a full fare charge along with a $5 penalty for the AI review. Some council members suggested that the penalty should be higher, but state law limits the fine.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the need for signage to inform drivers about the new detection measures, ensuring that potential violators are aware of the consequences of cheating the system. Overall, the council's discussions indicated a proactive approach to improving transportation efficiency and compliance within the city.