SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) will spend $2.5 million to install video surveillance cameras on all of its trains and buses.
UTA will deploy 1,722 cameras on buses and trains, 470 on station platforms, 326 in parking lots and 144 at other UTA facilities, The Salt Lake City Tribune reports.
The majority of buses already have several cameras and a DVR that continuously records events. The system will automatically download video of usual events, such as hard braking or speeding.
Although UTA says the system will improve safety, as well as improve driver training and performance, UTA bus drivers believe the surveillance solution will become a spy network used to punish or dismiss targeted employees. The drivers’ union has filed a formal grievance.
Unlike the buses, the DVRs on trains only saves video for up to five days. Although incidents are not automatically downloaded, UTA can go back and review video of any reported incidents and save it.
UTA has not advised passengers that they will be under surveillance; however, it will soon place stickers on vehicles warning riders of the monitoring.
