Future Challenges
Mass transit has evolved, with rolling stock vendors providing the security hardware for subway cars before they land on track. “They realize video surveillance manufacturers don't understand the hardware specifics to be installed on a train,” Segall said. There is also a great diversity in the hardware specifications for onboard video equipment on subway cars and buses.
It is less expensive for end users to specify security for new vehicles, because they can design for wiring and power, Szmania said.
Retrofitting trains is more costly, as older trains are not designed for video equipment. “The newer trains have the camera infrastructure built in,” Edgar said. “We're having discussions with train manufacturers such as Bombardier to do advanced planning for video cameras and video communications in train cars.”
Global Standards
Public transit is covered by many rules, but most regulations are regional and rarely international. As they vary nationally and even regionally, solutions must meet all the requirements of the individual customer, Notbohm said.
A customized approach for every transit organization is time-consuming and inefficient. “There are currently no national standards for bus security in China,” said Yingming Li, Product Director of Topshine Technology. “We are working with end customers and distributors for more uniform standards.”
Presently, no single standard covers public transit. “Certifications for FCC, CE, RoHS and ISO all must be passed to be specified for transportation projects,” said James Tseng, Senior VP of Telexper.
Public transit rules are detailed and country-specific. “In Europe, the mobile DVRs must operate from 30 degrees to 55 degrees Celsius,” Tseng said. “In the Middle East, operating temperatures go up to 85 degrees Celsius.”
A more universal standard is the Secur-ED consortium, which is striving for an EU solution. “All relevant stakeholders for equipment and operators are working together,” Segall said. “We're working very closely with Bombardier, Siemens, Thales, Alstom and manufacturers of rolling stock.”
For now, public transit rules remain highly detailed, with whole books dedicated to the subject. “It's a barrier to entry for many smaller companies,” Szmania said. “When we go and bid on opportunities, all our departments are involved to make sure we do everything properly for New York City or Philadelphia.”
A holistic approach will streamline public transit. “We talk about equipment, but ultimately, there are the personnel, processes and then the technology,” Segall said. “A good solution is a good combination of the elements.”