The MARTA Board of Directors on Thursday approved the award of a contract to Apollo Video Technology to install security cameras on the entire MARTA revenue fleet, including all bus, Mobility and rail vehicles.
The Vehicle Security Camera System (VSCS) is designed to enhance safety and security for customers and employees throughout the transit system. These cameras will assist in deterring criminal activity and will serve as an invaluable investigative tool for the MARTA Police Department (MPD).
“The installation of the vehicle security camera system is an important enhancement that will provide a clear layer of security for MARTA customers and employees,” said MARTA General Manager/CEO Dr. Beverly A. Scott. “We want everyone to know that their safety is of utmost
importance to MARTA, and we will take the necessary steps to ensure that they have a safe transit experience and work environment.”
“Installation of the new vehicle security camera system will provide us with an additional resource for investigating criminal activity and nuisance behavior for the safety of MARTA employees and customers,” says MARTA Police Chief Wanda Dunham. “These cameras will also contribute to MPD’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign and will assist with crime prevention and homeland security efforts.”
The new cameras will be strategically placed throughout vehicles, and the equipment will be standardized across all fleets. These capabilities will assist MARTA Police and authorities with identifying perpetrators and investigating incidents.
“The new video surveillance system will assure the community and reinforce our commitment to our customers and staff that safety and security is taken very seriously at MARTA,” says Mr. Harold Buckley, MARTA Board Treasurer. “MARTA’s customers will have a sense of well-being as never before.”
MARTA will conduct a comprehensive public outreach campaign to educate customers about the camera program. Signage will be posted throughout the system to remind customers that the cameras are capturing activities on all bus, rail and Mobility vehicles.
Camera installation will begin on the bus fleet. All revenue vehicles are expected to be outfitted by 2014. The $17 million camera installation project is being funded through MARTA’s capital budget.