SAFE FLEET BLOG

The moment we get to the train station and tap/swipe our cards at the turnstile, we enter a controlled environment.

This is the result of different elements that make stations and trains as safe as possible for millions of daily passengers. HD camera systems, carefully designed pathways, display screens, and an army of speakers are found in most cars and stations.  Japanese train stations even have ultrasonic sound emitters to deter teenagers from loitering and vandalism! ^[1]

And yet, crime is rising in most major cities across the US ^[2] and Canada ^[3].  Non-violent crimes like robberies and grand larceny are up to 110% from previous years and violent crimes are increasing as well ^[4].

Careful planning and well-implemented safety tech can help passengers have a safer and more comfortable experience.

If you are looking to increase railcar safety, consider adding these FIVE elements.

1. Camera Systems

An effective camera system inside a train car helps in three major ways: it records evidence, deters crime, and reduces blind spots.

A psychology study from the University of Enschede ^[5] in the Netherlands showed that the presence of a camera deterred students from cheating. This also applies to any other type of criminal activity. No one wants to get caught doing something they shouldn’t!

And if criminal activity STILL happens, a camera system can produce video evidence to help solve the crime, shut down a false claim, and exonerate an innocent person (including the vehicle operator).

In the operator/conductor cabin, a live-view camera system helps eliminate blind spots all around the car to help prevent injury to passengers or a collision with another vehicle or object. If an incident occurs, recorded evidence provides greater claim resolution.

Camera systems are highly recommended and can be viewed as necessary for the safe operation of any rail car.

2. Display Monitors

Display monitors are part of the riding experience future. They provide real-time updates and agency-passenger communication, enable digital advertising, and increase passenger awareness and safety.

You can display anything: route name, the next station, rail schedules, delays, updates, safety tips, etc. And you know we love our screens––eyes will be watching.

Remember the psychology study? Well, that same study discovered that when students were presented with a camera AND a video display showing them being recorded, cheating behavior reduced even further.

You can even sell ad space on them. Who doesn’t love a little more income?

3. LED Lights

Ever since our cave-dwelling days, light has been a source of physical warmth and a feeling of safety. And like our cavemen ancestors, lighting still makes us feel good today.

Lighting is important. In 2018, WMTA in Washington DC upgraded some of their train stations with LED lights and it resulted in a decrease in crime at those specific stations.

Also, a study about Stockholm’s subway system ^[6] showed that good lighting can result in passengers feeling welcomed, help identify points of danger, and create visual pathways for improved ride efficiency.

Come on everyone, let us turn on those lights!

4. Signage & Landmarks

Signs and landmarks are essential in trains and stations. They convey locations, schedules, points of interest, and basically how and when to move. Tokyo’s train stations even have floor decals indicating which side of the stairs to take, or where to queue up to board the trains.

Rail car signage helps make passenger travel as smooth and safe as possible. From the “push to open” to the red-colored emergency window lever, these little elements work together to create a safer environment inside the car.

New technologies like Infotainment displays are becoming a vital part of the commuting experience. Displays help you communicate with passengers to notify them of disruptions, emergencies, or general safety practices; show live-video recording to help curb bad behavior and let everyone know that safety measures are present; and even provide entertainment.

Signage is going interactive!

5. Passengers

This element is mostly out of our control. But a higher level of ridership means a lower risk of crime. And higher ridership levels rely on onboard safety.

Have you heard of the famous “Elevator experiment” ^[7], where someone rides an elevator filled with people facing away from the doors and then, awkwardly, follows suit? Well, this same concept applies to crime. When there are more eyes watching, criminals think twice about committing a crime.

Apart from the last point, these elements rely on technology to make travel as safe as possible. Today, people expect nothing less from their transit experience.

Safe Fleet creates technologies that help foster a safe environment on public transportation. For example, our Fleet Video Systems provide clear evidence of everything that occurs on board a vehicle. This evidence helps agencies respond to events with better insight, make better decisions and defend against false claims. 360º view camera systems reduce operator blind spots making for a safer journey.  Infotainment/Public Display Systems improve safety and the traveling experience by showing passengers they are on camera and helping to bridge the communication barrier between the agency and the passenger.

These solutions add value to general railcar operation by increasing passenger and operator safety, reducing agency liability, and enhancing the passenger experience. They can also directly impact agency ridership.

There are a MILLION things that could and will happen every day on trains and at stations. Let’s work together to reduce the risk of these millions of things. Let’s create a safer rail environment!

^[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-05-22/the-amazing-psychology-of-japanese-train-stations
^[2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/04/16/brooklyn-new-york-subway-shooting/
^[3] https://www.studyinternational.com/news/toronto-subway-safety-for-students/
^[4] https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/04/16/brooklyn-new-york-subway-shooting/
^[5] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01937/full
^[6] https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1463722/FULLTEXT01.pdf
^[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asch_conformity_experiments