ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSIT SECURITY EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this study is to document current experience with electromechanical security devices in combating transit crime and to assess and evaluate the implications of this experience for automated transit security planning efforts in the future. Security issues and devices for both grade-separated rail and surface bus transportation systems are examined as they apply to automated transit. This examination also includes a review of both station and on-vehicle applications of transit security devices. This work was accomplished using a case study approach, examining the use of electromechanical security equipment at 10 major transit systems throughout the United States and Canada (Morgantown People Mover, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, San Diego Transit, Port Authority Transit Corporation, Bay Area Rapid Transit District, Toronto Transit Commission, New York City Transit Authority, Southern California Rapid Transit District, Chicago Transit Authority, and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). The study provides the automated transit system (AGT) planner with current information on the availability and application of electromechanical security devices within the transit industry. The report states that the overall consensus of the case study operators interviewed was that radio communications equipment rates highest in terms of both station and on-vehicle applications. Six additional electromechanical security devices--photocameras, closed-circuit television, emergency phones, equipment for altering system operations, automatic vehicle monitoring, and public address systems--were rated as moderately effective.