The saying, "better be safe than sorry," has been made clear to individuals, businesses, and governments, as cases of theft, shoplifting, robbery, and terrorist attacks keep rising in our public spaces around the world. This has called for an initiative to put security and safety measures in place, which includes embracing video surveillance cameras. One of the main vulnerable sectors in terms of security is public transport, with intense cases such as the 2004 transit bombing that happened in Madrid as well as the 2005 bombings that took place in London. Other cases have happened in different parts of the world, hence stressing the need to put in place transit video surveillance.
Mobile video surveillance is a significant system in modern-day security measures. They are both efficient and effective. Therefore, the installation of such devices would enhance safety in public transport as agencies continue to install them not only in the big cities but in every county in the country. These systems possess great abilities above standard, off-the-shelf solutions. They should be installed on the buses with light-sensitive cameras, digital video decoders, and paratransit vehicles, as well as management software programs for monitoring incidents that operators may not observe directly while driving buses or operating the said vehicles. The video and audio recording systems are capable of capturing vivid video evidence of injuries, altercations, and the causes of traffic incidents, among many other things.
Mobile video surveillance makes daily operations more manageable, creating real-time monitoring of onboard happenings and on-demand wireless video downloads. This helps in the transformation of mass transit safety on every ride. IP Cameras such as 4K have become popular in recent days as they have higher resolution and quality combined with low-light capabilities and good coverage. If 4K cameras are paired with wide camera lenses or 360-degree video cameras are used, surveillance is likely to cover a wider location with fewer cameras, and this reduces the necessary bandwidth as well as the associated costs. When applied, some buses are even capable of displaying their video feeds on monitors at the front of the vehicle, which enables drivers and riders to be aware of the happenings around them.
Luckily, the digital world is making a lot of progress in public transport security through continuous improvement of their systems. For instance, some transit systems are ensuring enhancement in riding and safety experience for riders by introducing apps which enable riders in reporting incidents and sending videos and photos of safety concerns. They can also pinpoint locations through GPS for quicker response from the transit police.
Public transport is a large space that carries a very high population. Many planned vices would be committed in the public transport locations and it would be hard to get to the bottom of the cause. Fortunately, the advancement in technology has made things easier, with the transit video surveillance bringing the ability to not only identify the root cause of such incidences but also help to stop them before they are executed. It is therefore important for every government and the ministry of transport to consider moving with the wave of progress and ensure the installation of sufficient and efficient transit video surveillance in transportation spaces to enhance the safety and security of their people as well as property.
Article was written by
SML Editorial Team
