Until recently, the Utah Transit Authority’s (UTA) video security system was limited by the capacities of its servers. In 2013, it had reached the maximum of 500 cameras operating on three servers (one for management, two for recording), which made it impossible to expand the system by bringing additional cameras online. In addition, UTA was in the midst of building a new line out to the airport, and was eager to display an improved surveillance system to state dignitaries. What UTA needed was a much larger video surveillance system that would also be more efficient.
UTA enlisted Utah-based Stone Security to help choose a security system that best met its specifications. Together, they determined that Milestone XProtect video management software (VMS) best suited the UTA’s needs.
As of early 2015 UTA has deployed more than 1,000 cameras from a mix of vendors: Axis, Panasonic, IQEye and Digital Watchdog. The system runs on nine HP servers provided by BCDVideo (eight for recording and one for management). With this system in place, UTA can expand to 2,000 cameras or more. The security cameras are accessible by dispatch, commuter and rail control centers and other authorized users.
Advantages
As an organization committed to providing passengers with an optimal riding experience, switching to the Milestone system allowed UTA to put more cameras on platforms while centralizing the control system. Milestone reduces the time spent by UTA employees attending to security issues without burdening riders. In addition, the significant improvement in video quality makes it easier to monitor and investigate incidents.
Lamount Worthy is the Video Security Administrator for UTA. He was impressed by the Milestone open platform, which allows a “best of breed” software integration model. In addition, the open platform ensures UTA’s system isn’t tied down to any one technology. At the same time, it accommodates future growth and expansion. The flexible storage options made possible by the Milestone technology allow UTA to change its server options at any time.
The use of Milestone technology is having an immediate positive financial impact for UTA. UTA gate arms frequently get damaged or broken off by a truck or passenger vehicles. Prior to Milestone installation, these incidents would not only be costly but would often go unresolved.
Other savings are more difficult to quantify, but no less important. Worthy said the Milestone system is one of the key components in resolving several serious crimes that local police agencies investigate.
“Our cameras have captured crimes that occurred off UTA property, and these videos were provided to local police to assist with their investigations. Without our new video deployment, who knows how many man-hours might have been spent on these case. We’re talking about lives in some of these cases — and you can’t put a price on that.”
A More Secure Transit System
One of the most important features of the Milestone system is Evidence Lock, a new function that secures select video recordings for investigations. Evidence Lock allows Milestone clients to extend the retention time for video recordings from selected cameras in a set time interval by overriding normal video retention policies.
“The encryption and protection Milestone places on its exported video is a key factor of its ability to be presented in court,” Worthy said. “If I have to authenticate a video, I can say with full confidence that this footage has not been tampered with.”
