CTA Looking Out for You, and At You

By Timmy Watson in News on Dec 3, 2006 8:15PM

A $2.4 million pilot project aimed at increasing the mobile security network for buses and trains throughout the city will begin this month. The project, funded by a grant from the Department of Homeland Security, will provide wireless transmission of live streaming video to patrol cars and emergency vehicles from buses and train cars.

Frank Kruesi told the Tribune that, "The mobile security network expands the capabilities of security cameras on our buses." In addition, he indicated this may enhance the ability of the CTA to provide better service by knowing the spacing of buses between stops. After a six month test, the city hopes to expand the service to all trains and buses.

The CTA article did not indicate how this grant will affect the 2007 proposed budget, as the budget includes $35.3 million in security costs. Cameras on buses were introduced by Dennis Hopper in Speed in 1994, then by the CTA in 1998, mostly as a precaution used to reduce crime. As terrorism has increasingly become a concern for the country as well as the city, these cameras are serving a more big brother-ish purpose.

The CTA all ready updated their wireless infrastructure throughout the system and they have not indicated how much of this upgrade takes care of the requirements for this new project.

According to the 2007 proposed budget (page 43), the city provides $22 million worth of security for the CTA at no cost. Capital security funds in 2007 will be used for contract services and "to expand its security camera program in rail stations and on rail cars with the 2008 rail car procurement."

Image via saltsoda