Public transport networks across Australia and New Zealand are facing growing safety and operational challenges. From driver shortages to bus lane violations, transport operators are under pressure to deliver reliable and secure services while navigating congested roads.

Smart enforcement and AI-based safety solutions are transforming how cities approach public transport planning—improving working conditions for drivers, increasing road safety, and supporting more efficient operations.

Challenges for Safe and Reliable Public Transport

Ongoing safety concerns and workforce shortages continue to impact network performance:

• Bus driver vacancies are affecting service reliability and staff wellbeing.
• Road safety incidents and illegal parking are increasing safety risks.
• Congested bus lanes and stops slow down services and reduce accessibility. Smart Safety Tools Powered by AI

AI-enabled systems are making it easier to detect, respond to, and prevent safety incidents:

• Predictive maintenance helps prevent vehicle failures and reduces downtime.
• AI cameras detect illegally parked vehicles in real time to keep bus lanes clear.
• Collision avoidance systems improve safety for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Real-world success stories

NEC Australia, in partnership with Hayden AI, is bringing proven AI enforcement technology to local cities. In New York, these systems improved bus lane speeds by 5% and reduced collisions by 20%.

By reducing safety risks, supporting drivers, and keeping roads clear, AI solutions are helping build smarter, safer streets.

Smarter Commutes: How AI is Reimagining Road Safety

Every day, buses across Australia and New Zealand navigate increasingly congested streets, face driver shortages, and encounter growing safety concerns. But what if technology could help clear the way—literally and figuratively—for safer, faster, and more reliable commutes?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is doing just that. From real-time enforcement to predictive maintenance, AI is reshaping the future of public transport, supporting safer streets, better working conditions for drivers, and smoother journeys for passengers.

The Challenge: Safe, Reliable, and Efficient Public Transport

Across the region, transport operators are under pressure to maintain service quality while grappling with serious operational hurdles:

• Driver shortages are straining networks, affecting service reliability and putting staff under increased pressure.
• Road safety incidents and illegal parking in bus lanes are compromising safety for everyone on the road.
• Congestion around bus stops is slowing services, impacting accessibility and commuter satisfaction.

The Solution: Smart Safety Tools Powered by AI

Modern cities are turning to AI to strengthen enforcement and streamline operations. These intelligent systems are helping authorities detect, respond to, and even prevent incidents before they happen:

AI-Driven Innovations Making an Impact

• Predictive maintenance: Sensors and data analytics predict vehicle issues before breakdowns occur, reducing downtime and repair costs.
• AI-powered cameras: Deployed on buses or poles, these cameras identify illegally parked vehicles in real time, ensuring lanes remain open and efficient.
• Collision avoidance systems: By using AI to assess surroundings and issue alerts, these tools enhance safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

Real-World Results: Lessons from Global Cities

NEC Australia, in collaboration with Hayden AI, is introducing cutting-edge enforcement solutions to local transport networks. This technology has already proven its value abroad.

In New York City, for example, AI-driven bus lane enforcement has:

• Increased bus lane speeds by 5%, helping commuters get to their destinations faster.
• Reduced collisions by 20%, improving safety outcomes across the network.

These kinds of measurable impacts are now within reach for cities across Australia and New Zealand.

Smarter Streets, Safer Commutes

AI isn’t just a futuristic concept—it’s a practical tool reshaping public transport today. By keeping bus lanes clear, protecting vulnerable road users, and easing the burden on stretched transit staff, AI is creating the conditions for smarter, safer streets.

Want to learn more about how NEC’s AI solutions can support your transport network?

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