It is an exciting time to be working in the safety and security of mass transit systems. Not only are there many innovative projects taking place right now in the US, but as new metropolitan areas are created around the world they are finding themselves at the forefront of new safe city projects that are taking advantages of the very latest security technologies.
What’s more, many of these projects are taking a comprehensive approach by deploying video management systems (VMS), with situation management/PSIM solutions and advanced video analytics applications together. By merging all cameras, sensors, communication systems, data sources and operating procedures they are creating a unified and integrated platform. This first and foremost helps to ensure the safety and security of passengers, workers and infrastructure, but it can also deliver ‘operational intelligence’ that can drive performance gains across the network.
Building security in to a major new metro system
One current shining example is Navi Mumbai in India. It is a new city that has been established to handle the population overflow of the overcrowded and ever-growing city of Mumbai, and like the new city itself, the new metro system needed to be built from the ground up. This has afforded the city and the Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO - the body tasked with managing Navi Mumbai), the rare opportunity to start from scratch with the very latest technology and best practices, to ensure the secure and safe operation of the metro. The first phase of the project is providing coverage for the ten new stations opening along the line, with the second phase planned to include connectivity to the Navi Mumbai Airport.
At the core of the Navi Mumbai Metro’s security infrastructure is an advanced situation management / PSIM platform which integrates all components for the solution, as well as a VMS and video analytics. It is a tried and tested combination of solutions that was also successfully deployed by the Indian City of Nanded for its own safe city project.
This security platform works by delivering pre-defined, adaptive workflows that facilitate effective and consistent responses. It also drives collaboration amongst stakeholder agencies including metro operators and police, via system access to a common operating picture. As the Superintendent Engineer Telecom at CIDCO, Mr. Nitin Deshpande, explains: “Situator and our video management solution, complemented with advanced video analytics, gives metro security and operations personnel the power to identify risk, make optimal decisions, and take effective action.”
With 24/7 monitoring of the metro’s station and depot areas, this comprehensive system that embraces the very latest in security technology innovation is being used to enhance passenger safety and security, in addition to enabling streamlined operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Securing 273 kilometres of transit lines and 42 stations
Another ‘live’ project in Asia is the extension of the VMS used by Tianjin Rail Transit, in response to the city’s metro expansion. Tianjin, is a metropolis in northern coastal China located near Beijing, which is experiencing steady population growth with currently over 15 million inhabitants. Its existing VMS has been a vital part of security management since it was deployed in 2015. Now, it will be helping to secure over 273 kilometres of transit lines and 42 stations, managing output from over 4,000 video cameras.
Tianjin Transit Group Director of Construction Song, explains: “For large-scale metros, managing security in a unified, centralised and robust way is always a big challenge to operators, public security, and government authorities.”
Smart technology used by smart people
In addition to major infrastructure projects overseas, there are world-class initiatives taking place domestically and of particular interest is the award-winning Denver RTD Security Program, which exemplifies the use of smart technology by smart people.
The objective of the program was to extend the benefits of a combined situation management and VMS to its entire transportation fleet for the benefit of passengers, employees, and the public at large. This is vital point, as for any mass transit system to thrive, it needs to be well used by those who live, work and travel to and from the city. Also, there is much research to suggest that safety and security is a key factor influencing the use of public transportation. In fact, Denver RTD has seen a 60% reduction in crime and an 11% increase in ‘ridership’.
The Denver RTD and partners including Axis, Panasonic, Qognify and Rail Services Corporation, devised what is arguably one of the most advanced and comprehensive security programs. The latest phase of this decade-long project focuses on “Securing every train to the plane” and includes a first-of-its-kind fixed wayside VMS integrated with an on-board mobile video surveillance solution, powered by advanced video management. At the core of this solution and the entire security operation is an advanced situational management / PSIM platform.
“We’ve successfully leveraged and extended advanced video management to our entire transportation fleet using mobile capabilities, and then adding situation management to it,” explains the Transit Police Commander and Manager of Integrated Security Operations, Denver Regional Transportation District, Bob Grado.
The rise of mobile applications and social media for citizen engagement
One exciting innovation has been the recent roll-out of mobile apps that leverage social media, to encourage the quick and efficient two-way exchange of critical information between citizens and organizations. Many municipalities and transit agencies such as Navi Mumbai and Denver RTD are using such apps to encourage citizens to report unusual and suspicious activities directly to the city’s command center. Citizens can also opt in to receive updates, alerts, and safety information. Tapping into the notion of “crowd wisdom” facilitates as more proactive response to events reported by the public, such as the suspicious appearance and behavior of individuals or groups of people, as well as items and packages that give cause for concern.
Udi Segall is the drector of business development at Qognify.
