NJ Transit has selected Apollo Video Technology (Apollo Video) to provide video recording systems with Railhead Corp.’s inward facing cameras for the agency’s fleet of locomotives and rail car cabs. Coinciding with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendation, the installation of inward facing cameras will aid in accident investigations and operator performance monitoring by transit agency management.

NJ Transit currently operates 704 trains transporting more than 300,000 customers each week day. This installation will furnish the remainder of the fleet with 1,200 cameras and recording equipment across 230 locomotives, cab cars and Arrow III electric rail cars. New inward facing cameras will record personnel operating trains, and according to the NTSB these recordings can prevent accidents by identifying safety issues before they lead to injuries or loss of life.

Supporting the proactive safety measures recommended by the NTSB, Apollo Video’s management software provides custom reporting tools and automatic download of video clips for events such as a train overspeed, rapid deceleration, and excessive and emergency brake application. Additionally, the system downloads randomly selected video clips for auditing performance and efficiency, allowing the agency to view video from specific high risk locations. These tools provide immediate video feeds and supporting data of atypical events that may occur — which could indicate an inattentive operator and safety concerns that require immediate attention.

“Monitoring for and detecting high-risk actions is perhaps the best way to prevent operator-caused train accidents,” said Rodell Notbohm, CEO of Apollo Video Technology. “With a lower cost, faster implementation and similar benefits to positive train control initiatives, video surveillance is the practical first step for improving train safety.”

As stated in the NTSB’s recommendation letter, inward- and outward-facing audio and image recorders improve the quality of accident investigations and provide training tools to improve operator safety and compliance.

Designed and manufactured specifically for rail environments, Apollo Video’s recorders and management software will be incorporated with Railhead Corp.’s cameras and specialized rail equipment to create a custom-built solution for NJ Transit. Apollo Video’s rugged and reliable recorders and comprehensive video management software will help NJ Transit reduce maintenance and operating costs, improve efficiency and mitigate risk and liability, according to the company.

“Passenger and crew safety onboard rail vehicles are of upmost concern for transportation managers. Apollo Video’s solution will not only help identify high-risk situations but also provide supporting evidence and video feeds critical for mitigating these risks,” said Notbohm.

Apollo Video manufactures solutions for transit and commercial rail operators throughout the U.S. and Canada and has partnered with agencies including the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority and L.A. Metro.