Citation

Black T. Am. City Cty. 1998; 113(11): S18.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Penton Media)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Tri-Met, the nearly 30-year-old public transit system for Portland, Oregon, is beefing up its closed-circuit television (CCTV) capabilities. In 1987, Tri-Met equipped three of its buses with three CCTV cameras apiece. In the mid-1990s, finding the results satisfactory, the agency equipped 40 buses--those running routes with a higher incidence of criminal activity--with three cameras each. The 40 buses, like the first three, were equipped with analog cameras. In recent years, however, Tri-Met has been equipping buses, rail cars, and facilities with digital cameras. In fact, 65 of the system's 660 buses feature three digital cameras each. Additionally, Tri-Met has budgeted $1.2 million for a CCTV system and cameras for its 72 light rail cars. Cameras mounted at light rail platforms provide a live feed into the rail control center, while cameras in buses and train cars record footage but are not monitored live. In addition to serving as a deterrent and providing potential evidence in the event of criminal proceedings, CCTV cameras also can prevent civil litigation or help a transit agency win a claim in short order.