DriveCam to install new cameras on D.C. Metro buses
System will capture video and audio inside and outside of Metrobuses, detect when an operator makes a defensive move to avoid an accident, brakes or accelerates suddenly, turns sharply, or is involved in an incident.
Duane Ellison, a mobile technician for Velociti, installing DriveCam equipment on a Metrobus at Bladensburg Metrobus Division.
[IMAGE]DriveCam-install-DC-MetroFULL-2.jpg[/IMAGE] The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) began installing new DriveCam cameras on its fleet of 1,500 buses to assist with improving Metrobus safety by documenting incidents and assisting operators to develop safer, more efficient driving habits.
As part of a five-year contract, DriveCam will install cameras on all operational Metrobuses; review and analyze video footage; and provide feedback on operator driving habits.
Metro currently has security cameras on many of its buses that are primarily used to document customer-related incidents. DriveCam’s main focus is to help the Metrobus staff reduce incidents, and improve safe driving habits.
The DriveCam system will capture video and audio inside and outside of Metrobuses, detect when an operator makes a defensive move to avoid an accident, brakes or accelerates suddenly, turns sharply, or is involved in an incident.
DriveCam will analyze the data from such events and that analysis will be provided to management, supervisors, trainers and operators. The information will be used to encourage good driving habits, correct poor habits, and help in investigations.
Installation of the system began in mid-August and is expected to be completed and fully operational by January 2011. Metrobus officials are integrating the system into the bus fleet in phases, which includes equipment installation, operator and supervisor training, and policy education throughout all nine Metrobus divisions.
Deployment of the system on Metrobuses, which cost $3 million to install and monitor during the next two years, resulted from an extensive analysis of the DriveCam services by Metro officials. The system is already in use on MetroAccess vehicles.
Along with the training and safety benefits to operators and customers, the system is expected to help reduce vehicle damage, workers’ compensation claims and personal injury through accident prevention. Metro also anticipates that the system will help save fuel as a result of improved driving habits.
More Bus
New York MTA Plans Largest Bus Fleet Upgrade in More Than a Decade
The agency is seeking manufacturers for 650 new CNG buses to replace aging vehicles, improve reliability, and advance its broader fleet modernization strategy.
Read More →
Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification
John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: Keeping Transit Technicians Ahead of the Technology Curve
LA Metro’s Obed Mejia discusses technician training, evolving maintenance technology, fleet replacement, and strategies for getting the most out of today’s transit fleets.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
People Movement: Holly Arnold Joins Transdev and More
In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at Pace, CamTran, MCI, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
The High Cost of Transit Buses: Industry Leaders Look to Procurement Reform
Transit leaders and policymakers examine how standardized bus designs, streamlined procurement, and predictable funding could help agencies stretch budgets and deliver better service.
Read More →
The Business Voice Behind Public Transportation
As chair of APTA’s Business Members Board of Governors, Ray Melleady explains how more than 850 business members are partnering with transit agencies to advance funding, innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.
Read More →
From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →
Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability
The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.
Read More →
LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement
The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.
Read More →