MARTA begins installing security cameras on buses

MARTAis installing 11 cameras on each of seven buses as part of a long-range safetysystem it hopes will make the public feel safer on transit and at the same timedeter criminals and obnoxious patrons.

Eachbus also will have a monitor that will allow patrons to view theirsurroundings. MARTA, which is the nation’s ninth largest transit system, plansto have cameras on all buses by next June and to start installing them on railcars next April.
TheMARTA board of directors approved the $17 million system last year afterdrivers said they wanted enhanced security because of physical and verbalassaults by patrons. Transit officials say the data also will help MARTA policeinvestigate crimes, resolve customers’ complaints and settle accident claims.
A $9million federal grant from the Department of Homeland Security will help defrayMARTA’s out-of-pocket expenses, the agency said Monday in a prepared statement.
Lastyear, the agency was also considering installing Plexiglas shields to protectdrivers on its 531 buses, but so far has elected not to do so, said MARTAspokesman Lyle Harris.
“MARTAis dedicated to ensuring that all reasonable measures are taken to secure thesafety of customers and employees,” said MARTA Police Chief Wanda Dunham.
“We areconfident that this investment will provide an additional layer of protectionand will act as a highly visible deterrent against operator assaults, crime andacts of terror,” she added.