The City of Tallinn, in collaboration with Hayden AI, is piloting automated monitoring of bus lanes and bus stops as part of the "Test in Tallinn" project to determine the number of traffic violations along two critical routes in the city center. The 90-day pilot project will start in November on bus lines 5 and 67. No fines will be issued during the test period.

"As part of the 'Test in Tallinn' project, we invite both international and local companies to test their innovative solutions in real-world conditions. At the same time, Tallinn benefits directly from the innovations, and technologies that align with the city's key focus areas may also be implemented if they prove suitable. Currently, we are testing, among other things, the use of artificial intelligence to ensure the proper use of bus lanes and parking spaces," said Deputy Mayor for Entrepreneurship, Margot Roose.

Kristjan Järvan, Deputy Mayor for Transport, added: "Unfortunately, we see daily that traffic jams prompt drivers to use bus lanes, which violates traffic regulations and slows down public transportation. That’s why we’re committed to reducing traffic congestion and ensuring fast movement of public transport, even during peak hours."

"With nearly 360,000 daily bus users, it is extremely important for us to ensure that bus traffic flows smoothly, comfortably, and safely. However, illegal traffic in bus stops and lanes is a major issue. Every delayed bus affects a large number of students and workers. We are excited to test Hayden AI's technology on two of Tallinn's bus lines, as it can help find solutions to this problem and improve our operations," said Kaido Padar, Chairman of the Board of Tallinna Linnatransport (TLT).

Hayden AI, an Irish technology company, specializes in AI-driven mobility solutions, including the detection of bus stop and lane misuse. Vehicles stopped in bus stops compromise the safety of passengers, as they are forced to enter the roadway to access the bus, and drivers are unable to safely deploy wheelchair ramps. Unauthorized stopping and parking in bus lanes also compels buses to change lanes unexpectedly, creating additional traffic hazards. This situation may lead to a preference for private vehicles over public transport, which, in turn, contributes to increased pollution and traffic congestion.

Tallinn is the fourth European city where Hayden AI is testing its technology, following significant success in the United States, where the company has proven its effectiveness in cities like New York. There, the technology helped improve public transportation travel times by 40%. Additionally, traffic accidents decreased by 34%, and 86% fewer drivers illegally used bus lanes for parking or driving. Hayden AI has also tested the same artificial intelligence technology in Gdańsk (Poland), Braga (Portugal), and will soon begin trials in Barcelona (Spain).

Photos:

1. Jezabel Martínez Fabregas (Hayden AI) and Mark-Emil Talivere (Tallinn City Enterprise Centre)
2. (left to right) Jezabel Martinez Fabregas (Hayden AI), Karl Koppel (Tallinn City Transport), Kärt Kanne (Tallinn City Enterprise Centre), Carl Huntington (Hayden AI), and Helen Miglai (Tallinn City Enterprise Centre)

Photos: Tallinn City Enterprise Centre

Additional Information: Mark-Emil Talivere
Innovation Specialist
City Enterprise Centre
Tallinn Strategic Management Office
[email protected]
Tel: +372 6404316; +372 56479936