TriMet receives federal grant to complete security camera installation at MAX stations
March 31, 2011
TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced a $1.2 million grant to complete installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the 10 stations that currently do not have cameras. The grant will also fund security improvements at some TriMet facilities.
TriMet has 85 MAX stations and all but 10 have CCTV security cameras installed on the platforms.
"TriMet’s top priority is to operate a safe and secure transit system," said TriMet General Manager Neil McFarlane. "With partners like TSA, we’re able to continue expanding our efforts that help reduce incidents of crime on our system."
TriMet provides about 100 million trips a year on its buses and trains; 36 million on MAX. During 2010, there were 471 incidents of reported crime on MAX, most were minor or property crimes. That averages about 1 in every 76,000 trips on MAX.
Mike Irwin, Oregon Federal Security Director for the TSA, said that $1.2 million grant is the sixth awarded to TriMet to add cameras to the stations and enhance security.
"TSA works closely with TriMet to ensure the security of riders throughout the system, and on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, we’re pleased to provide funding for additional MAX station cameras," said Irwin. "As one of only a handful of airports in the country with light rail service into the terminal, our security resources are a critical force multiplier when combined with TriMet’s robust efforts."
The TSA grant will add security cameras at the final 10 MAX stations:
Eastside (2): Cascades and Mt. Hood Ave stations along the Airport MAX Red
Westside (8): Beaverton Central, Beaverton Creek, Merlo/SW 158th Ave, Hawthorn Farm, Fair Complex/Hillsboro Airport, Washington/SE 12th Ave, Tuality Hospital/SE 8th Ave, Hillsboro Central/SE 3rd Ave TC
Installation is expected to be completed by summer 2012.
Beaverton and Hillsboro police chiefs both welcomed the announcement of additional security cameras at platforms in their cities.
"We've enjoyed our great partnership with TriMet," said Beaverton Police Chief Geoff Spalding. "This partnership results in a safer means of transportation for our citizens and all commuters. The installation of security cameras at our stations will not only add an additional layer of safety to the transit system, but also improve the feeling of safety for our residents and increase our ability to capture offenders."
Hillsboro Police Chief Carey Sullivan added, "The TriMet transit system, including TriMet platforms, is an integral part of the Hillsboro community. The Hillsboro Police Department is committed and dedicated to keeping this system safe. The CCTV cameras installed on station platforms through the partnership with TSA will provide an extra layer of security for our residents, and all those who use the transit system."
Video from CCTV cameras has been used successfully to prosecute crimes against the transit system and its customers. In addition to CCTV at station platforms, TriMet also has security cameras on all MAX trains and two-thirds of its buses.