July 28th 2023.
The Metropolitan Transport Authority of New York City is expanding its use of AI surveillance at hundreds of subway stations to crack down on fare evaders. The AI technology will be used to track and store data on when and how fare evasion is occurring. Seven stations have already implemented the AI and by the end of 2023, 24 more will have the same system in place.
The AI technology stems from Spanish software company AWAAIT and its AI called "DETECTOR". This technology is able to alert ticket inspectors when someone is attempting to ride for free. However, an MTA spokesperson clarified that the system currently in place in NYC stations simply counts the number of fare evasions occurring and is not used to send NYPD officers after those who fare evade.
The data collected by the AI is providing solutions to combat fare evasion, which has cost the MTA upwards of $700 million. Reports show that fare evasion is conducted most often through emergency exits and around school dismissal times.
While this technology may help the MTA, there is concern about what this means for more vulnerable groups. AM NY reported that arrests for fare evasion are already predominately Black and brown individuals, and further AI surveillance could increase this statistic. To address this correlation, reasons behind fare evasion and arrests by race must be tackled.
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