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