Its hoped tech will help riders feel safer
To try and make bus riders feel safer – BC Transit says over 600 buses across the province, including the Okanagan, now have closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
Each bus has four to eight cameras recording events inside – as well as a high-definition camera in the driver's compartment – and two more outside.
The camera systems, worth about $11-million, were funded by all three levels of government.
Since the pilot program was introduced in 2015 – BC Transit has used closed circuit footage to support almost 35-hundred investigations – including over 360 police investigations.
Over the past five years, BC Transit has made significant investments in both training and tools for its transit safety system, which includes: closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, driver training to diffuse situations, partnerships with first responders, enhanced communication technology on board the bus and a proof of concept for a full driver door.
Other improvements will include Automated Passenger Counters (APCs), to provide a more accurate picture of ridership and allow planners to maximize resources; and NextRide real-time transit information, to help riders plan their trips efficiently.
