Metro Transit to install new security cameras on light-rail trains

Metro Transit plans to install new security cameras on its light-rail trains to enable transit officials and police officers to monitor activity in real time and respond faster to crimes committed on trains.

The Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee last week approved $1.3 million in spending to install higher-resolution cameras on the transit agency's 91 light-rail vehicles, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported.

The new cameras will replace outdated ones to help address growing concerns about safety on light-rail trains, which serve the Twin Cities.

The high-resolution cameras would provide a 360-degree view of each rail car and supply sharper-looking images that can be uploaded to a cloud-based platform. Transit officials would be able to view the images in real time.

"It’s a force multiplier for our police officers,” Metro Transit spokesman Howie Padilla told the newspaper. “We can definitely see what is going on and officers will know what to expect when they get there. We have not had that ability before.”

Each car would be equipped with four cameras.

If the full Metropolitan Council's board approves the expense, the new cameras could be installed by year's end, Padilla said.