Getting on the right track with unified security
Find out how operators at Rotterdam Electric Tram manage thousands of cameras more efficiently by using features like Federation™, maps, visual tracking, quick search, and more.
The company
Rotterdam Electric Tram (RET) oversees and operates all public transportation services in Rotterdam, Netherlands. That includes 64 bus lines, 11 tram lines, and five metro and light rail lines. Every year, an estimated 190 million passengers rely on RET to safely get around the city and surrounding areas. While their main objective is to make sure people can easily and quickly move about the city, they also want to ensure every passenger feels safe and has a pleasant experience. Using advanced security technologies helps the RET team keep everyone safe, happy, and on time.
The challenge
In the past, RET had disparate analog video systems installed across their stations and facilities. But having disjointed technology made it difficult for the team to quickly retrieve information. With passenger and staff safety in mind, RET wanted to upgrade to a modern IP-based solution that could bring all their security systems together under one platform. They also wanted to extend video coverage on their fleet, so they could access live video and address onboard issues much faster. Choosing an open platform would help them keep some existing investments and upgrade in phases.
The solution
Unified view of transit security
Using GenetecTM Security Center Fleet Monitoring, RET was able to link all video onboard their trams back to the central control room. This means operators never have to leave their workstations. They can easily view live and recorded video from all cameras across their stations and fleet.
Live audio and video on trams
SOS intercoms on trams and stations are linked to the SipeliaTM Communications Management module in Security Center. If someone presses an SOS button, operators receive an alarm alongside live video. They can then see and speak to the passenger and quickly offer help.
Flexible and open to integrations
As an open platform, Security Center supports thousands of cameras and devices from different vendors. While RET has many Axis cameras right now, they have plans to add other vendors’ devices in the future. They’re also looking at enhancing operations with body-wearable tech.
"With Genetec Security Center, Fleet Monitoring, and Federation, we can easily manage security across all our locations and onboard our trams from one workstation. We can also find and share information with other city stakeholders much faster. All of this helps us keep our passengers and staff safe."
Joop Prevo, Senior Operator at Unified transit security at Rotterdam Electric Tram
Results
Today, RET manages over 1,680 cameras across their facilities and another 700 cameras onboard their trams using Security Center. All systems connect back to a central control room where operators can oversee security and respond to incidents. They also use the FederationTM feature to access and share video with other city stakeholders. This enhances collaboration across entities, streamlining investigations and emergency response.
Managing thousands of cameras isn’t a simple task. But built-in features such as maps, visual tracking, and quick search help operators work more efficiently. According to Prevo, “It's very easy for us to switch from one camera to another to view video, track people, offer assistance, and direct responding officers. We also use the quick search tool during incidents and investigations. We can look back within seconds and clearly see what happened.”