Niles, Ill.
Samuel Shanes
Talkaphone
Clear and effective communication can keep riders, workers and pedestrians safe on rail transportation. The installation of emergency blue light towers, wall mounts and call stations can not only help communicate a message during an emergency but can also help deter criminals from targeting the area.
Keeping staff and riders informed of an emergency is a great first step but is not the last. While security cameras and phones can supply critical information to security personnel, many rail systems are choosing to empower people to take action during certain emergencies. Immediate action taken by mass transit riders can save lives, if the platform is equipped with the right tools. Unfortunately, occurrences such as a person falling on the tracks are not that rare. Many local transit authorities have taken preventative measures.
For example, the Phoenix (Arizona) Light Rail and the Sacramento (California) Transportation Authority installed Talkaphone’s Blue Light Stations (BLS) on their platforms equipped with emergency power trip buttons. The unit empowers everyday users of public transportation to cut power to the tracks by pushing the E-stop button.
Units include IP Call Stations, highly visible Blue Lights, emergency lettering and instructions, raising awareness of public transportation riders. In some locations the units are wall mounted, and in others mounted on their own integrated stainless steel post.
In addition to ensuring communication, rail system authorities should be aware that the transition area from one form of transportation to the next is highly vulnerable. Emergency phones are strategically placed in such locations to allow the general public to report any suspicious activity that might be taking place. This technology has been employed at various transit authorities in the United States, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Orange Line connection to Chicago’s Midway Airport.
Parking garage and outdoor parking lots adjacent to urban rail hubs should not be forgotten when designing the security strategy. Proper access points planning, emergency call stations and surveillance all play an important role in enhancing security. Consider utilizing a blue light emergency tower or wall mount with call station to provide emergency communication capabilities.
A multi-layered security plans is crucial to keeping workers, riders and pedestrians safe in the rail transportation environment. Providing these types of tools for people to communicate and empower themselves against the dangers is a critical step to creating a safe and secure environment.
