Las Vegas Transit System Takes Lead with AI Weapon Detection

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is pioneering public transportation safety by becoming the first U.S. transit system to deploy AI-powered weapons detection across its entire fleet.

A $33 million multi-year upgrade for the RTC will feature AI technology capable of scanning riders for firearms. Tom Atteberry, RTC’s safety director, highlighted the importance of swift detection in active shooter incidents.

The technology, provided by ZeroEyes, aims to enhance security for riders and staff. ZeroEyes, a specialized AI gun detection software vendor, is the technology partner for this project.

The AI system promises to alert authorities within a mere three to five seconds, enabling faster emergency responses.

The system covers over 400 buses serving 39 routes, transporting more than 50 million riders annually.

Background

Violent crime on public transportation, particularly in major cities, has surged in recent years, alarming transit agencies nationwide. A late 2023 Department of Transportation report echoed these concerns, highlighting a dramatic increase in transit-related attacks as documented by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Significance

Public transportation systems nationwide are facing increasing challenges in combating violence.

Law enforcement and public safety experts are considering AI-driven cameras and acoustic technology as potential tools for improving response times to mass shootings.

AI systems can potentially identify threats faster than human security personnel, allowing for quicker interventions.Unlike traditional security checkpoints, AI surveillance can monitor large areas without causing delays or inconvenience to passengers and presence of advanced security measures may discourage potential attackers from targeting transit systems.