Skip to main content

San Diego deploying Apollo Video Technology’s transit camera system

San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), in California, has selected Apollo Video Technology’s RoadRunner MRH DVR and back-end management software for its fleet of transit vehicles.
March 2, 2012 Read time: 2 mins

San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), in California, has selected 850 Apollo Video Technology’s RoadRunner MRH DVR and back-end management software for its fleet of transit vehicles. In the first phase of the project, Apollo will replace existing transit surveillance systems in 246 of MTS fixed-route buses and deploy wireless back-end equipment providing fleet-wide data and real-time video streaming. Ultimately, the four-year contract (base plus three option years) will equip more than 500 transit buses.

The new installation will include the company’s digital video recorders (DVRs), interior and exterior cameras, motion detectors, and wireless local area network (LAN) equipment. The contract also includes vehicle information management (ViM) software which will supply MTS with vehicle status reports, event logs, on-demand video clip retrieval and automated downloads of event video.

MTS undertook an extensive RFP process to select Apollo as the contractor for the project. The RoadRunner system was then installed on four transit buses as part of a 45-day test phase, which was successfully completed this month.

MTS will utilise the MRH8 and MRH12 series DVRs equipped with seven to nine cameras based on the specific bus types.  Each camera system supplied by Apollo will provide MTS with state-of-the-art Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, allowing transit officials to monitor real-time video and location data. To capture potential incidents occurring inside the transit yards overnight, MTS requested that Apollo include motion detection capabilities to trigger the system to start recording at the first sign of movement. The passive infrared sensor detects any movement inside the vehicle when the bus is turned off.

“The combination of passive infrared sensors and the ViM software will ensure that MTS has top-of-the line video surveillance management while recording activity on the bus at all times,” said Rodell Notbohm, general manager of Apollo Video Technology.

Related Content

  • March 30, 2020
    San Diego: Let there be (street)light
    The influence of intelligent streetlights is spreading. David Crawford finds that San Diego’s deployment – and attendant legislation – may offer a blueprint for other cities going forward
  • July 26, 2012
    Technology advances improve enforcement
    Across the board, technology is being brought to bear to improve the efficiency of enforcement. Bus lane monitoring, parking and controlled access have all benefited from systems introduced in recent months. While speed and red light infringements tend to attract the most attention, there remain several other areas of enforcement where automation can bring significant operational and efficiency benefits. Lane monitoring and access control also continue to benefit from technological development.
  • December 17, 2012
    Enhanced fleet video recorders
    Enhancements to the Digital Ally DVM-250Plus Video Event Data Recorders (VEDRs) now enable the recorder to utilise up to eight different cameras while maintaining a dual recording feed. Users can customise the automatic record triggers to activate specific cameras, providing the best angle for each type of event while minimising video file sizes and making current or post-event review easier. The automatic trigger can also activate the integrated monitor hidden behind the glass of the rear-view mirror, esp
  • November 7, 2012
    Xerox video enforcement deters stopped-bus overtaking
    High resolution cameras, video motion detection and modems are being fitted to school buses in Maryland, as part of a system designed to enforce and deter stopped-bus overtaking violations. A new video enforcement system is being installed to record drivers illegally overtaking school buses in Frederick County, Maryland. It is against the law to overtake a parked school bus that is loading or unloading students, yet a 2011 survey for the Maryland Department of Education found 7,000 cases of drivers illegall