Recording equipment to be installed on Metro-North, LIRR trains

MTA Metro-North Railroad will install outward and inward-facing video and audio recorders on all of its and MTA Long Island Rail Road's trains in response to a recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Prospective vendors will be asked to design, manufacture and deliver an onboard video recording system. The base order would cover the newest cars in the railroads' fleets, Metro-North's M-8s, both railroads' M-7s and cab cars, as well as all locomotives. The order also includes 843 car cabs for Metro-North and 926 cars for LIRR, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials said in a press release.

"We will be systematically implementing recommendations put forward by the NTSB and other regulators to ensure the best practices are adhered to throughout the MTA family," said MTA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Prendergast.

The move to install the video and audio equipment is in reaction to recommendations issued by NTSB after a Metro-North train derailment in December that resulted in four fatalities.

Metro-North committed to install cameras on trains as part of the 100-day Action Plan issued after Joseph Giulietti became Metro-North's new president in February. The cameras will aid in post-accident/incident investigations and deter behaviors that could affect safe train operations, MTA officials said.