NJ Transit to buy buses with onboard cameras

The board of New Jersey Transit today is expected to approve the purchase of a fleet of 1,145 new buses that will include closed-circuit camera systems to bolster security.

"They have great deterrent value," said Jim Gigantino, acting vice president and general manager for bus operations. "If there's an incident that does occur, the images can be retrieved."

He said the cameras would not be monitored, but would record digitally. Pictures could be retrieved and used by police. Several cameras will be positioned inside each bus.

NJ Transit is testing two types of cameras and recording systems, and will determine which system to use in eight to 10 months. The new buses, to cost $443 million, are expected to be in service in about a year. The fleet will be also equipped with wheelchair lifts and will meet or exceed environmental standards to reduce exhaust emissions, he said. - AP