septemberoctober2024 - 42

Best Practices
3 Ways Unification and Digital
Workflows can Break Down Silos
Choosing a unified system
that links vehicles' onboard
technology to land-side security
systems allows fleet managers
to break free of technological
and organizational silos.
By Shawn Enides
Account executive,
Genetec Public Sector team
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MASS TRANSIT AGENCIES are often saddled with
legacy technology and various systems that serve
different purposes. Retrieving and reviewing data
and video can be a cumbersome process for fleet
managers. Each system or tool provides a piece of
the puzzle but seeing the complete picture requires
tedious manual synchronization.
Choosing a unified system that links
With a unified system,
it's easier to retrieve
the data you need and
put that information to
good use.
Shawn Enides
Genetec
vehicles' onboard technology to land-side
security systems allows fleet managers to
break free of technological and organizational
silos. They can streamline security,
safety and operations.
Here are three of the many ways switching
to a unified, open platform can benefit
your mass transit organization:
1. Apply passenger counting
and arrival time data to
optimize route efficiency
and rider satisfaction
With 99 percent accurate passenger counting
technology available through modern security
platforms, accurate passenger counting can happen
daily, not just through periodic audits. This
data isn't only useful for reporting, but also to
help optimize route efficiency and ensure passenger
safety. With a unified platform, you can also
cross-reference ridership data with bus arrival
times. This provides insights into reliability and
route efficiency. Real-time data from buses can
even be published to rider apps to keep transit users
informed about delays or let them know if the next
bus is full and when the following one will arrive.
42 Mass Transit | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024
2. Use digital workflows to improve
passenger and driver safety
Nothing is more important than the safety of
drivers and passengers. Most onboard emergency
systems depend on the driver to call for
help or press a panic button in the event of an
emergency. However, modern security systems
can include sensors or camera analytics that can
detect potential issues. Triggers may include erratic
driving, deviation from the route, gunshot
detection, a fight breaking out or even distracted
driving due to cell phone use. These triggers
automatically notify operators, who may then
view video footage to confirm the situation and
respond quickly.
3. Share real-time security
data with law enforcement to
improve emergency response.
Proprietary, siloed systems introduce roadblocks
to investigations. If you have different systems
on different buses, you may spend valuable time
figuring out which system to access to get the footage
you need. It's also common for proprietary
systems to use custom codecs that require special
software to view the footage, creating potentially
dangerous delays.
With a unified system, it's easier to retrieve
the data you need and put that information to
good use. If a potential onboard issue is detected,
security teams can pull in additional data from
land-side cameras and devices connected to the
same system. Data can be quickly and securely
shared with transit police, law enforcement, local
sheriffs or other stakeholders. First responders have
a better idea of what they'll find when they arrive
so they can respond more effectively.
Power of unification for mass transit
When teams use the same system and follow the
same protocols, it's easier to ensure key measures
and efficiencies are in place. A unified system can
help you connect your security and operational
teams across different divisions through one single
platform. The result is a better customer experience.
Your riders get to their destinations safely
and on time and your team works more efficiently
and proactively.
septemberoctober2024

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