December 18, 2008

NEW ON-BOARD CAMERAS ENSURE SAFER TRIPS FOR TRANSIT COMMUTERS


Winnipeg, MB – Mutually committed to improving public transit infrastructure in Winnipeg, the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of John Baird, Canada’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, together with Steve Ashton, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs for Manitoba, and Acting Deputy Mayor Gord Steeves on behalf of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz today announced that a state-of-the-art audio/video surveillance system is being installed in City buses.

The new surveillance system has already been installed on 130 buses to assist Winnipeg Transit in providing a safer environment for their customers and employees. It is anticipated that the City’s entire fleet of 535 buses will have the cameras installed by the end of 2009.

“The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the safety of Canadians,” said Minister Toews. “The investment in on-board surveillance cameras will better protect both Winnipeg transit users and city bus drivers, as well as deter potential criminal activity.”

“Public transit supports the province’s vision for a clean and green economy by providing Manitobans with alternative transportation choices,” said Minister Ashton. “The presence of cameras should help to ensure safe, quality transportation on Winnipeg’s busy transit system.”

Audio/Video surveillance on buses is part of the City of Winnipeg’s ongoing “Transit Improvement Program”.
"Winnipeggers need to have confidence in a safe and reliable transit system. With increased ridership, we must continue to improve our existing transit system to capture that increase and provide positive transportation alternatives to our citizens," said Acting Deputy Mayor Gord Steeves. "By providing our transit network with this effective tool, we can provide a safer environment for both our citizens and employees."

The audio/video surveillance system is expected to increase safety on buses by acting as a deterrent to anyone with criminal intentions. It will also aid in the investigation of incidents that may have taken place. Each bus will be equipped with up to five cameras and a digital recording device to continuously monitor on-board activities from a variety of angles. The system also has the capability to continuously record audio. Signage will be posted inside the buses to advise occupants their activities are under audio and video surveillance.
The funding of $2.9 million for the installation of the audio/video surveillance system is made possible through a federal-provincial partnership.

- 30 -