Regional Transit Authority Selects $3.8 Million Video, Communication Solution

Zalud’s Blog was told by TAC that it has been awarded a $3.8 million contract to install an integrated video monitoring and emergency communications system along the Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) rapid transit rail lines that connect Philadelphia and southern New Jersey via the Ben Franklin Bridge. The project is funded by the Department of Homeland Security and purchased through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Administration.

 The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) and PATCO contracted with TAC to replace the existing closed circuit television system and add an emergency communication system. DRPA's main concern was to improve the safety and security of its passengers.

"TAC's solution for DRPA and PATCO is flexible and includes options for managing, expanding and maintaining the system to meet future demands and the evolving needs of the Authority," said Sam Belbina, vice president of Systems Integration East, TAC. "TAC will install a state-of-the-art IP video and intercom system that will reside on the existing DRPA network, saving the agency thousands of dollars because installing new fiber cabling is not necessary."

TAC will place both new cameras and emergency telephones at 13 rail stations and cameras in the tunnels between the rail stations. TAC is also installing new cameras on the Ben Franklin Bridge to monitor the transit line.

Approximately 250 Pelco cameras will observe conditions and activities along the 14-mile transit line that stretches from Philadelphia to Lindenwold, N.J., carrying as many as 40,000 daily passengers. The emergency communications system with 98 telephones will enable transit users to contact DRPA authorities in case of an emergency along the line. DRPA and PATCO will monitor the system from a central command center and backup centers. An uninterruptible power supply by APC will supply backup power in the event of a power failure and keep the system operating.

The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges, PATCO, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal, and the RiverLink Ferry.