Metro-North, LIRR to acquire video cameras for trains
Outward-facing cameras will be used to record track and wayside activities, and inward-facing cameras will be used to record the engineer’s control area while the train is in operation.
Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road today won approval from a committee of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board to award contracts totaling $34.6 million for the purchase of inward- and outward-facing cameras in the cabs of their rail fleets.
The outward-facing cameras will be used to record track and wayside activities, and the inward-facing cameras will be used to record the engineer’s control area while the train is in operation.
RELATED:Metro-North, LIRR to install audio/video recorders
In addition to the cab cameras, the two railroads have elected to incorporate passenger area cameras to improve passenger and crew safety by acting as a deterrent to crime and providing forensic investigative capability.
A total of 2,064 rail cars and locomotives will be outfitted under the base, 36-month contract. The contract is scheduled for consideration by the full MTA Board on Wednesday.
The National Transportation Safety Board recommended installing camera systems in February, and MTA chairman/CEO Thomas F. Prendergast immediately directed the MTA’s Commuter Railroads to begin the design, engineering, fabrication, delivery and installation of on board cameras.
“Cameras provide another measure of safety and security intended to ensure our trains operate as well as possible and reassure our customers,” Prendergast said. “They will aid investigations after accidents and other incidents, as well as deter behaviors that could affect safe train operations.”
Because of the complexity of implementing such a system, Metro-North, on behalf of the LIRR, in March requested and received board approval to use the Request for Proposal process to procure the cameras.
Based on the overall quality of the technical proposals submitted, the selection committee unanimously recommended awarding 4D Security Solutions for LIRR for $16.7 million and Sepsa North America for Metro-North for $17.9 million.
More Management
FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide
See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets
In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit
The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Read More →
Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program
Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone
NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →
California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
Read More →