2 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

CNN, 5/26/15:

 

Amtrak to install inward-facing cameras in train cabs

 

Amtrak announced Tuesday that it will begin installing inward facing cameras aboard its locomotives, following the fatal crash of Amtrak 188 two weeks ago.

 

Story

[CNJRoss]

Amtrak news release, 5/26:

 

AMTRAK TO BEGIN INSTALLATION OF INWARD-FACING
CAMERAS IN LOCOMOTIVES

 

WASHINGTON – Taking an additional measure to improve safety, Amtrak will install inward-facing video cameras in the fleet of ACS-64 locomotives in service on the Northeast Corridor by the end of 2015, and all subsequently delivered locomotives will have the equipment installed before they go into service.

 

These systems will be another tool for Amtrak and industry regulators to monitor locomotive and engineer performance. 
“Inward-facing video cameras will help improve safety and serve as a valuable investigative tool,” said Amtrak President & CEO Joe Boardman. “We have tested these cameras and will begin installation as an additional measure to enhance safety.”

 

Installation will first occur in the 70 ACS-64 locomotives that will power all Northeast

 

Regional and long-distance trains between Washington, New York and Boston, as well as Keystone Service between New York, Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pa.  Amtrak is developing a plan for installation of inward-facing cameras in the rest of its locomotive fleet, including Acela Express power cars and diesel locomotives.

 

Amtrak has outward-facing cameras on locomotives, along with advanced systems that monitor locomotive and engineer actions.

 

[CNJRoss]

Politico "Morning Transportation," 5/27:
 

AMTRAK MOVES TO MONITOR ENGINEERS:  While investigators continue to study this month’s deadly train derailment to determine whether the engineer was at fault, Amtrak has decided to spend millions of dollars to equip its locomotives with inward-facing cameras to check up on those who control its trains. “The purpose is to monitor the performance of the engineers,” Amtrak CEO Joseph Boardman told reporters on a conference call Tuesday. “We’ll download and take a look at the video from time to time. It will be part of what we do, and it will certainly be available to be used for investigative purposes at a later date if something occurs.” http://politico.pro/1LDrYr7

 

SNIP

 

  Union concerns: The CEO acknowledged Tuesday that unions are unlikely to be “jumping up and down with joy” in celebration of the decision “because their sense of things is that they do a good job and that they’re a reliable group of people. And we understand that. But the technology is there, and I’m using the technology to ensure better safety.”

 

More here.