Commuter trains may soon see a drastic technological update, as on Monday the MTA committee voted in favor of installing inward- and outward-facing cameras in rail fleets running on Metro-North and LIRR lines. According to a press release, the vote approved contracts worth more than $34.6 million in camera equipment, which will be used to “record track and wayside activities,” as well as “record the engineer’s control area while the train is in operation.” In light of the recent suspected murder on an MTA track, the implementation of cameras is geared toward improving the safety of train passengers. “Cameras provide another measure of safety and security intended to ensure our trains operate as well as possible and reassure our customers,” MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast said in a statement. If the contracts are approved by the full MTA Board in a vote on Wednesday, a total of 2,064 rail cars will be outfitted with cameras over the next three years.
MTA board approves $36 million contracts for cameras
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