Photos by MARTA
DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 23
Center, Emergency Operation
Center and is on the home stretch
on a system wide Train Control
and SCADA upgrade project,”
said Springstead. “Th ese projects
not only leverage technology,
but allow MARTA to change
antiquated business processes to
optimize service delivery, safety,
security and emergency response
capability.”
Enhanced mapping for everything
from the addition of grid-lines
to instant notifi cations and alerts on
rail lines, is seeing more and more
technologies into the market. Technology
off ers the easy of customization
from agency to agency.
Digitalizing for a
safer system
“As part of MARTA’s security
profi le, a Security Design Criteria
and Security Certifi cation Program
helps to ensure that security
technologies are part of any rail
expansion, upgrade or lifecycle
refresh. Th is includes fi nding
dual purpose solutions for technologies
that provide internal
intelligence about system readiness
and normalcy,” explained
Major Aston Greene, commander,
Emergency Preparedness Unit,
MARTA Police. “For example,
new cybersecurity protocols for
SCADA systems are currently
being deployed, which improve
effi ciencies, but also addresses the
mitigation of cyber-related threats
to transit systems.”
Technology, such as CCTV
and cameras, has increased how
MARTA is able to get images of
TECHNOLOGY
HAS increased
efficiencies on
MARTA’s rail lines.
suspects to the police. Greene
explained that this has resulted
in MARTA Police’s 95-percent
solvability rate of Part I crimes.
“…suspects are quickly identifi ed
and apprehended. Given this tactical
use of technology, MARTA
Police is able to quickly address
crimes and minimize both threats
and delays to our transit service.”
MARTA deploys cameras, as
well as direct lines for passengers
to report suspicious activities
while riding.
“MARTA has a robust vehicle
security camera system that
features video and audio on all
rail cars in addition to having
fi xed CCTV Cameras at all rail
stations. Additionally, MARTA
deploys a SEE&SAY App for all
patrons to utilize while on the
rail system that is monitored at a
Police Communications Center.
Th is app enables passengers to
send discreet messages via smartphones
that can lead to immediate
police responses on the rail system,”
said Greene. “Additionally,
technologies supporting the rail
system include the implementation
of video analytic solutions at
key stations which turns cameras
into ‘smart-cameras’ that can
alert on suspicious activity and a
new Emergency Operations Center
dedicated to supporting any
emergencies that may occur on
the rail system.”
Passenger amenities
In a changing transportation
landscape—that’s incorporating
autonomous vehicles, car sharing
services, as well as bicycle and
scooter sharing—passenger signage
and amenities add benefi ts
and increase ridership.
“MARTA is in the process of
deploying enhanced cellular and
Wi-Fi connectivity for patrons at
the stations and in the rail cars
that will allow for passengers
to call and connect seamlessly
throughout the rail line for improved
safety,” said Kirk Talbott,
AGM Technology/CIO.
CCTV Benefit
95%
solvability rate of
Part I crimes by
MARTA Police
/MassTransitmag.com