NEW YORK (PIX11) — Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road may soon have video cameras installed on their trains, officials said Monday.
Both transit systems received approval from a committee of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board to award contracts totaling $34.6 million to purchase the cameras.
Inward and outward-facing cameras will be purchased to record track and wayside activities, the engineer’s control area and the passenger area.
The passenger area cameras will be installed to improve safety for the public and crew. Officials also said the cameras will act as a deterrent to crime and provide forensic investigative capability.
A total of 2,064 rail cars and locomotives are expected to be outfitted with cameras under the 36-month contract, which is scheduled for consideration by the full MTA board Wednesday.
“Cameras provide another measure of safety and security intended to ensure our trains operate as well as possible and reassure our customers,” MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast said.
“They will aid investigations after accidents and other incidents, as well as deter behaviors that could affect safe train operations.”
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