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The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is launching a pilot program in August to install AI-powered surveillance cameras on selected RideKC Max buses.
This initiative is aimed at boosting passenger safety by using advanced video, audio, and sensor analytics to monitor real-time activity and identify potential threats.
These new smart cameras will be placed on buses traveling along Prospect, Troost, and Main Street, some of the city’s busiest transit routes.
Partnering with SafeSpace for Smart Security
The AI system is part of a collaboration with SafeSpace, a company specializing in integrated surveillance technologies.
According to Tyler Means, KCATA’s Chief Mobility and Strategy Officer, the system will be capable of analyzing behavior, facial recognition, and identifying missing persons or banned individuals through uploaded databases.
“The goal is to enhance safety ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Kansas City will host several matches,” Means said.
During a June presentation to KCATA’s finance committee, officials shared that at least five AI-powered cameras will be installed during the pilot phase, with the potential to expand based on performance and available funding.
Enhancing Safety While Addressing Privacy Concerns
The advanced surveillance system will track movement, detect aggression, and instantly alert authorities to any serious incidents—such as violence or threatening behavior.
Don Bowlin, KCATA’s Chief Transit Experience Officer, emphasized the importance of this technology for public trust:
“When riders board our buses, we want them to know we’re doing everything possible to keep them safe.”
Regarding privacy, KCATA assures the public that all footage will be stored securely, with limited access, and will only be archived for a short period before deletion.
Live feeds can be accessed if the system flags suspicious or dangerous activity, enabling rapid response from security personnel.
Pilot Funding and Potential Expansion
The pilot project is currently supported through state security funding from Missouri. While contract negotiations with SafeSpace are still being finalized, officials hope the technology will demonstrate enough success to justify a broader rollout across the entire RideKC fleet.
One key advantage highlighted by Bowlin is the ability to upload databases such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children list, allowing real-time alerts and region-wide safety improvements.
“If this works, it truly becomes a game-changer for public transit safety in Kansas City,” Bowlin noted.
Kansas City is taking a proactive step to enhance public transit security with the introduction of AI-driven cameras. Through behavior monitoring, rapid threat detection, and secure data practices, the program aims to make RideKC buses safer for all passengers.
If successful, the pilot may lead to a full-scale adoption, making Kansas City a national model for transit safety innovation.