Cameras on Buses: Our Experience CAMBUS. Cameras Today-Standard Equipment Cambus was somewhat late...
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Transcript of Cameras on Buses: Our Experience CAMBUS. Cameras Today-Standard Equipment Cambus was somewhat late...
Cameras on Buses:Our Experience
CAMBUS
Cameras Today-Standard Equipment
• Cambus was somewhat late in implementing camera systems
• Concerns– Cost (waiting for new bus purchases)– Public reaction, especially in a University
community– Employee reaction, especially college students– Policy and operational impact
Where is Cambus today and how did we get there?
Cambus Joins the Video Age
• 2005 - On a trial basis, installed a camera system in one bus.
• The trial was not very useful– Received little training– Was only 1 bus, so got very little use– Did not have a clear plan for use– Almost forgot it was there
• 2006 - Participated in a joint RFP for new buses with Iowa City and Coralville transit systems. Agreed to spec the same camera system they were already using.
• 2008 – Our 1st purchase of buses equipped with cameras (12 buses, 35% of fleet).
• 2009 – Purchase of 3 more new buses equipped with cameras (15 buses, 44% of fleet).
We have now jumped into the video age.
We have video: Growing Pains• Training from vendor very inadequate
• Equipment & support was lacking
• How to inspect & maintain lacking
• Did not prioritize implementation
• Procedures not developedDecisions & changes needed to adequately utilize the capabilities
Getting with the program2010 - Hired a camera system vendor/
technician that came to our site…• Adjusted all of our cameras & provided
recommendations for settings• Inspected the equipment and made needed repairs• Provided guidance on maintenance of the
equipment and working with the vendor
Getting with the program, cont.
• Updated viewing station equipment and software• Trained manager & maintenance staff on how to
effectively view video and download clips• Provided vendor options for repair and
replacement of equipment• Provided guidance on the experience of other
transit systems
Moving Forward
2011 - Purchased 8 new buses with camera systems
2013 - Purchased 5 new buses with camera systems
Today: 85% of fleet is equipped with camera systems (29 of 34).
Our Camera System• A six camera system
• Two cameras with audio– One above driver, one mid-bus
• Recording set at 30 fps– Desired higher resolution, but does sacrifice
storage capacity– 500 GB hard drive stores approx. 7 to 8 days
of video
Cameras: Front –facing back
Cameras: Exit door
Cameras: Facing out windshield
Cameras: Front door
Cameras: Back –facing front
Cameras: Center –facing back
Policy & Procedure Development• What is the criteria for requesting video?• For what purposes may video be used?• Who may request video?• What are the “rights” of employees?• Who is designated to download video?• Who is permitted to view?• Who determines who may receive copies?• Where is video stored?
Policy & Procedure Development, cont.
• How long should clips be kept?• What are the penalties for inappropriate
access or use?• What maintenance program is needed for
the systems?• How do we assure that a system is
functioning?• And many more…..
Making Sure It Works!• Maintenance staff had to be
trained in all aspects of the system
• 80 hours in the last 6 months for viewing & downloading video
• 80+ hours annually on equipment PM’s.
The Impact on Maintenance
How do we currently use video?
• Helped to apprehend a thief.
.
• Identified a vandal.
How do we currently use video, cont.
• Accident Investigation– Video is downloaded as soon as possible at the
maintenance facility.– Helps determine fault.– Passengers, pedestrians & injuries identified. – Conditions identified.
In the past 6 months, video proved that Cambus was not at fault in accidents totaling $70k in damages.
Insert red light clip here
How do we currently use video, cont.
• Follow up on Complaints– Approximately 50% found to be invalid.
• Driver Training– Video clips used in training.
– Able to follow up with a driver in accident situations, complaints and other concerns.
• Assist Police - Sometimes requested to help identify people or
situations.
Insert brakes clip here
The Present & Future…• Our use of video is growing steadily
• Becoming more reliant on video– Police and Risk Mgt. now expect video evidence to be
available as well.
• Increasingly used for training purposes• Need to equip the entire fleet (5 more)
• Need to develop written and comprehensive policies/procedures
The Present & Future…
• Exploring adding exterior cameras– Especially to aide in accident and
pedestrian/passenger situations
• Need to further evaluate maintenance procedures & the impact on the maintenance division.
• Plan for replacement & technology improvements as video is here to stay
Questions and comments