Artificial intelligence has seen a lot of applications since the AI boom, from being used for chatbots to identifying wildfires. New York City has seen its potential to identify fare dodgers, and now it will be integrated into metal detectors as well.
AI Metal Detectors in NYC
The metal detectors were created by Evolv, claiming that the AI is capable of detecting an object based on its shape and metal content, so it will be able to discern whether the person is only carrying a phone or a firearm, considering the difference in form and components.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams stated that the metal detectors were a way to make the city's subway safe, calling it a "Sputnik moment." The demonstration was successful as the machine managed to detect a gun while ignoring other metallic objects like smartphones, as per Gizmodo.
However, there is one setback. The response time of the metal detectors was not quick enough, seeing as there was a three-second delay in the beep, as well as the message that asks a person to step aside when a firearm is detected.
As added security, there are officers who monitor the detectors through an iPad, wherein they can view the scans and identify the person who set the alarm off. Still, it would work better if the alarm would go off the second a prohibited object is detected.
For now, the AI metal detectors are not in subway stations yet, as there is a required 90-day period of waiting before it is installed. The NCPD is also looking into the best strategy for the placement of the detectors in the subway system.
AI Fare Evasion Detector
Unfortunately, passengers bringing guns with them isn't the only issue that the subway station is monitoring. It also has to look into the kind of security that can detect fare dodgers, particularly those who are jumping over or ducking under the turnstile.
The Metropolitan Transporation Authority (MTA) of New York uses AI software that can detect these instances, although it was also clarified that the software is only meant to count the number of fare evaders, and not identify the ones committing them.
Back in 2023, it was reported by The Verge that at least seven subway stations were already using the surveillance system, all of which were undisclosed. The MTA planned to install two dozen more before 2023 ended, with "more to follow" in 2024.
The measure was implemented due to the growing problem of people skipping payments. According to the authority, fare evasion caused a loss of $285 million in 2022. Early tests already showed results that would be essential for analyzing the situation.
In the MTA report, it was said that fare evasion was most seen between 3-4 PM. In 50% of the recorded cases, fare dodgers would walk through emergency gates. Given that the MTA still has tens of billions worth of debt, the loss from fare evasion could definitely be something they could not stand to lose.
