IP Cameras and Commuter Trains

The title of our post last week posed a question, "Will We Soon See IP Camera Systems
on Metro North Trains?"








 Yesterday, we received the answer, and the news can be characterized as

• Good : Metro North will be getting video cameras
• Better:  So will the Long Island Railroad 
• Hurry up and wait.  A Request for Proposal must be issued

In the words of Thomas K. Prendergast, CEO and Chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority which bears responsibility for the operation of  the Metro North and Long Island Railroads, NYC subways

and buses, as well as a good portion of the areas toll bridges and tunnels, "The MTA is committed to safety at all its agencies. We will be systematically implementing the recommendations put forward by the NTSB and other regulators to ensure the best practices are adhered to throughout the MTA family."

So what does this mean in terms of IP camera surveillance systems and the  railways? It means they will be installing 1,769 outward- and inward-facing video cameras in all their locomotives as well as  926 rail car cabs on the LIRR and 843 on Metro North. Since the primary purpose of the video cameras is to provide forensic data to aid investigators, should future incidents or accidents occur, all video will need to be recorded and stored, so they will also be including network video recorders as well.

You may have noticed we underlined systematically in Mr. Prendergast's quote. That's because it explains the hurry up and wait aspect.  In the majority of cases, before assigning a project to a vendor, a bid or Request for Quote (RFQ) goes out and the contract is awarded to the company who comes in with the lowest price.  However, due to the complexity of this operation, a more detailed procurement procedure, a Request for Proposal is called for. In the case of a RFP, the job is awarded based on  a vendor's technical expertise, performance on similar projects, company resources, and cost.

Here is why we won't be seeing those IP camera security systems for a while:

• Railroad representatives must attend a  meeting  of the MTA board of directors, scheduled for Monday, March 24 to seek permission to issue a RFP.

• If approved, Metro North and LIRR project managers and their respective teams will then meet to work out the scope of the work to be done, technical specs, and the contract wording.

• Metro North's procurement department must advertise the RFP

• Interested vendors must submit their proposals

• Metro North must review the completed RFP packets in which vendors submit design and manufacturing details, costs, offer information  about their company, workforce and hiring practices, and project expected delivery and completion dates.

• Announcement will be made of the winning bid.

• Installations will be scheduled. 

So that's where it stands at present. Meanwhile, should you be in need of information about IP camera systems or IP recording systems contact Kintronics at 914-944-3425 and a sales engineer will be glad to answer all your questions. or if you prefer, fill out a request for information form and someone will respond promptly.