Video surveillance in mass transit: These are the trends in 2017

Video surveillance is the most widely used technology in public transport to provide safety and security. It is mainly used on trains, in train stations, in depots and depots, and on platforms. The cameras are usually focused on specific areas, such as emergency call and information desks, escalators and elevators. The strongest video surveillance coverage is found in places where passengers spend time. In addition, cameras also provide security and smooth process flow in non-public areas. Examples include personnel entrances, track crossings, tunnel entrances, along tracks, inside tunnels or on bridges.

Status quo - from analog to IP

Even though the change in the security industry is moving inexorably in the direction of digital technology, analog cameras are still found in public transport for historical reasons. This leads to so-called hybrid systems, consisting of both analog and IP cameras. However, as in previous years, many of the companies will continue to replace older, analog models with network cameras in 2017, opening up their systems to intelligent functions. Networked systems are also growing in importance in local public transport.  

There are several hurdles to investing in new technologies: Video surveillance systems are not always the top priority and the acquisition is considered cost-intensive. A professional digital security system, on the other hand, creates synergies with other areas and, in the long term, helps to optimize service and security in public transport. This also has an impact on investments and costs.

Intelligent video surveillance in international public transport

Digital video surveillance is now very much characterized by intelligent functions that enable analysis of the image data in the camera. This facilitates the use of the cameras not only for security purposes, but also to provide important data for operational use. For this purpose, the cameras act as sensors. These can be smoke and fire detectors, for example, or capacity utilization monitoring. Here, a percentage is given of how many people are on a platform, for example. If the value exceeds a certain limit, employees are alerted. They can then take appropriate measures, such as opening emergency exits or helping to prevent panic and accidents.

The cameras can also act as early warning smoke detectors in tunnels. Conventional smoke detectors are usually mounted on the ceiling and take a long time to sound the alarm because the smoke must first rise to the ceiling. Cameras can identify smoke much earlier. The faster it is detected, the less damage can occur.

Analytics tools help avert damage and train downtime, saving time and money. They help increase revenue, for example, by being able to detect when people jump ticket barriers. In the Netherlands, streetcar car doors are monitored and facial characteristics are matched with a database of known fare evaders. If there is a match, the driver is notified. Detecting graffiti sprayers is also an important application area.

How video surveillance can help: Real-time transmission from trains on the rise

Security-related incidents usually occur not only at one location, but at several, for example when a perpetrator flees from a store across the pedestrian zone into the subway. Increasingly, therefore, various emergency services such as the police, fire department and local authorities have real-time access to all video images and can thus gain an immediate overview of the situation. The individual cameras provide images of the various locations of the incident and different angles of view, while the networking of the cameras in turn provides an overall picture. On this basis, authorized security services and authorities can quickly assess the situation comprehensively. Strategically critical decisions about how to proceed can only be made on the basis of an overall view of the current situation.

Real-time use mainly takes place at static locations, such as train stations or depots. Real-time transmission from trains, on the other hand, is still rather uncommon, but is steadily increasing.

"Public transport is an area where there is constant coming and going. A large number of people living or working in a city regularly use public transport - and it is therefore essential to ensure safety and security. In addition, we must not forget that many transport operators also have to operate as businesses in an increasingly tough market. Therefore, the optimization of processes or service is also important. Network cameras provide many answers to questions here. In 2016, it was already evident that transport operators were making increasing use of the technical possibilities and this trend will continue in 2017," says Edwin Beerentemfel, Manager Business Development, Middle Europe at Axis Communications.

Text: Axis Communications