Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) selected ZeroEyes for a pilot program designed to reduce the likelihood of gun-related violence on train platforms. Implementation will begin in approximately two months.
SEPTA is the first major transit system to deploy ZeroEyes' solution, which is an A.I.-based gun detection video analytics platform developed by former Navy SEALs. Layered on top of SEPTA's existing security cameras, ZeroEyes' proprietary software will identify brandished guns and alert safety personnel and local law enforcement within three to five seconds.
Former U.S. military and law enforcement specialists monitor every detection 24/7/365 from the in-house ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC) to deliver accurate and actionable intelligence on gun-related incidents, including the gunman's appearance, clothing, weapon and real-time location. Furthermore, ZeroEyes' A.I. does not perform any facial recognition, nor receive, record, store or share videos or images of any person.
"We are committed to ensuring the safety of our riders and employees," said SEPTA Board President Pasquale T. Deon Sr. "While serious crimes are rare on SEPTA, evaluating this technology demonstrates the authority's proactive approach to security."
SEPTA has more than 30,000 cameras throughout the system. The pilot program will utilize cameras at stations along the Market-Frankford and Broad Street Lines.
"We appreciate the Board's support for this pilot, and it is our hope that this new technology will be another tool we can use to keep our system safe," said SEPTA General Manager and CEO Leslie S. Richards. "If the program is successful, we will consider deploying ZeroEyes at other locations across the network."
Other ongoing efforts to help prevent crime on SEPTA include:
- Increasing uniformed police presence on trains
- Deploying dozens of outreach specialists across the system to engage members of the vulnerable community
- Creating a virtual patrol center to monitor the surveillance camera network
- Equipping custodians with cell phones to facilitate direct communication with police
- Promoting the Transit Watch app, which allows riders to report concerns anonymously and discreetly
"Our nation's cities have been experiencing dramatic increases in violent gun-related crime, and we need more leaders like SEPTA who take proactive measures to protect the public," said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. "Public transportation is a crucial lifeline in urban regions, and the millions of people who rely upon it have a right to feel safe. SEPTA's progressive approach to the problem should set the industry norm; we hope to see other public transit providers follow suit in the near future."
