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REASONS FOR INSTALLING: "We installed the cameras as an upgrade to our previous surveillance camera system," explains Timothy Bradshaw, director, operations. "The previous system worked off a VCR recording system. That system was both unreliable and prone to tape jams and was limited in surveillance and storage capability." SYSTEM PERFORMANCE: The new Seon camera system provides enhanced audio, video and storage capabilities, explains Bradshaw. The Seon system has provided sophisticated hard drive storage with remote desktop access for the agency, enabling operations staff to cue up a video, and when the bus returns to base, the video is automatically downloaded to the desktop for review. BENEFITS TO AGENCY: "Surveillance REASONS FOR INSTALLING: Waukesha Metro first had cameras installed on its vehicles in 2004. In 2009, the agency began to install AngelTrax's cameras, which are now on all 33 of Waukesha's transit vehicles. Jason Zachow, maintenance director for the agency, says the primary purpose of the cameras is to look out for the best interests of its drivers and passengers. IMPLEMENTATION: Installation and implementation of the cameras went smoothly thanks to a good working relationship with AngelTrax, Zachow explains, but adds that at first there was a blowback from the agency's drivers. "At first the drivers were hesitant because they thought 'Big Brother' was watching," he says. "When we didn't have the cameras and there was an issue, we would have to take the customer's word over theirs. Over time, after experiencing issues that we were able to review, the drivers realized the cameras were helping them." Although AngelTrax's system accommodates up to eight cameras, Waukesha has six cameras installed on 37 APRIL 2014 m ETRO m AGAZINE > their vehicles, including over the wheelchair positions in the front, the farebox, outside the vehicle and pointing toward the rear of the bus. "We discovered the troublemakers tend to sit in the back, so we wanted a camera pointed at the back seats so we could get a facial view of them and always see what they are up to," Zachow says. SYSTEM PERFORMANCE: The camera system has had the desired effect for Waukesha, including being able to identify possible suspects on film they can then share with local police and exonerating drivers of wrongdoing when incidents are reported. "It really functions as a deterrent in many ways," Zachow adds. "People see the sign saying they are under surveillance and often act accordingly." Waukesha will also use footage as a training tool for drivers on matters such as how to or not to secure wheelchair passengers or driving habits. Overall, Zachow says the agency has been pleased with both the technology and the company. "The experience has been nothing but good," he explains, "We have nothing negative to say about the whole experience." RE up spacing we have between vehicles, allowing us to proactively look at bunching and contact dispatch so they can contact drivers and space the trolleys more effectively." WORKING WITH COMPANIES: Rodrigues says both companies have been great, with the City having to interact a bit more with REI since it launched a new route in October and only began using the system less than a year ago. "Not only did they install the GPS tracking equipment on the vehicles, but they met with us numerous times and drove the routes to understand how the system works as well as all of the quirks of each different route," says Rodrigues. "They have really been involved every single day. We'll call them if we see something that is changing the ETAs, and if there's some type of anomaly, they will go in and recalculate and recalibrate the algorithm for that specific route." WHAT'S NEXT: Rodrigues said the City's next goal is to find a way to interact more efficiently with Miami-Dade Transit's bus and rail systems, so passengers can better plan their complete trips. The City is also looking into installing monitors to display ETAs at stops, utilizing the GPS info it already makes available to customers online and via a smart phone app. video has been extremely helpful in complaint and accident resolution," says Bradshaw. "It has also been a valuable tool for local authorities in criminal investigations." Bradshaw adds that the video collected has exonerated its drivers of any wrongdoing, in some situations. It has also reduced the agency's risk related to insurance claims and has served as a great crime prevention tool. ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENT: Bradshaw says CCTA discovered the system has enhanced audio at different camera locations on the bus, while additional camera features on the newer Seon camera system provides multiple camera angles previously not available. "Seon also continues to work with us to upgrade and improve technology," he adds. "Their customer support staff is excellent." AGENCY: Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA), Burlington, Vt. COMPANY: Seon (cameras, DVR, software) AGENCY: Waukesha Metro, Waukesha, Wis. COMPANY: AngelTrax (cameras, DVR, software) M E T R O 0 4 1 4 _ V I D E O . i n d d 3 7 METRO0414_VIDEO.indd 37 3 / 1 7 / 1 4 5 : 5 5 P M 3/17/14 5:55 PM