Security cameras were installed on seven MARTA buses this past week as part of the agency's effort to prevent crime on public transportation.
The MARTA board of directors approved the $17 million project in 2011, and all buses are expected to have cameras installed by June 2013.
Find out what's happening in East Atlantawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The installations this week are part of a pilot program to test out the technology.
Each bus will have 11 cameras — three outside and eight inside.
Find out what's happening in East Atlantawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The cameras capture real-time audio and video that feeds into a 17-inch monitor behind the driver for riders to use.
“MARTA is dedicated to ensuring that all reasonable measures are taken to secure the safety of customers and employees,” MARTA Police Chief Wanda Dunham said in a statement. “We are confident that this investment will provide an additional layer of protection and will act as a highly visible deterrent against operator assaults, crime and acts of terror.”
The federal Department of Homeland Security recently awarded MARTA a $9 million grant that will help defray the cost of the security system.
The state-of-the-art system was designed and manufactured by Apollo Video Technology. Located in the Seattle area, the company is an industry leader in video surveillance and fleet management solutions, according to a MARTA statement.
After the pilot program ends in November, cameras will be installed on the remaining bus fleet.
Cameras will be installed on rail cars starting in April 2013.
Do you think the cameras will help prevent crime? Tell us in the comments.