OC Transpo exploring AI technology to monitor O-Train, transit network

An O-Train on Line 1 pulls into Bayview Station in this undated image. (Natalie van Rooy/CTV News Ottawa)

Artificial intelligence (AI) could one day be helping OC Transpo special constables monitor buses, the O-Train and transit stations across the City of Ottawa.

OC Transpo chief special constable Peter Scislowski told councillors on the Transit Committee on Monday that staff are reviewing the potential for “real-time detection AI” for OC Transpo security cameras.

“We will be exploring the potential of enhancements to CCTV in a variety of ways, including the potential use of AI,” Scislowski told councillors Monday morning.

“Staff are viewing the potential of real-time anomaly detection AI on crime reduction and rider safety in transit environments, which would flag unusual behaviour in real time such as assaults, vandalism, loitering and emergencies, which would notify our special constables.”

OC Transpo staff visited Montreal’s STM special constable unit to explore the technology used by the Montreal transit system.

“[Let’s] look at it, see what we can get out of it, and if it can provide benefits to the transit system then use it,” Ottawa councillor Riley Brockington told CTV News.

“One thing that stood out to us was how their data and technology was at the forefront of their operations,” Scislowski said.

“They have several interesting features, such as GPS monitoring, which helps with dispatching and live location tracking of all their special constables.”

According to a statement from OC Transpo, AI is just one of several technologies being explored to improve public safety on public transit.

“Any future recommendations related to this technology will be developed in consultation with the City of Ottawa’s legal and information technology teams, as well as external partners, to ensure full compliance with all requirements,” Sabrina Pasian, chief safety officer for OC Transpo wrote. “At this time, this is just one of many technologies that may be explored.”

Councillors on the transit committee will receive an update on new technologies to monitor the transit network in the OC Transpo annual safety plan once it’s finalized, Scislowski said.

There are more than 7,000 CCTV cameras on the O-Train and transit system network.

Simone Bihang relies on public transit to get around the city and is in favour of OC Transpo’s plan to AI to improve safety.

“I think it’s important for our safety,” said Bihang. “I’m newcomer in the city. I’ve been here like two months and how, and honestly for a big city like Ottawa, I’d really feel safe.”

Ann Covoukian, former privacy commissioner of Ontario, says important questions about the technology’s implementation remain unanswered.

“The fact that all of your movements are going to be captured and retained, who knows where. For how long? Is it going to be encrypted? I doubt it,” Covoukian said. “These are some of the questions that have to be raised.”

If the technology has the capacity to track private information including where people going and who they associate with, Covoukian says that “should concern us all,” especially if it’s done without consent.

“They’re introducing this overarching system onto it that could also capture so much of your personal information,” Covoukian said. “That’s what concerns me, that privacy is going out the window.”

In a statement to CTV News, the union representing transit workers for OC Transpo say they support any efforts to make transit safer for riders and workers, however measures must be taken transparently and with “clear guardrails.”

“Technology can sometimes help spot situations where someone needs help or where something is not quite right,” wrote Noah Vineberg, president of ATU 279. “But it is important that any tool we explore does two things: protects people’s dignity and supports—not replaces—the human judgment and compassion that real safety depends on.”

With files from CTV’s Kimberley Fowler.