Monday, Sept. 17, 2012

ATLANTA (AP) -- Metro Atlanta's transit system has launched a pilot program of buses equipped with surveillance cameras.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, or MARTA, launched the program Monday. MARTA plans to put cameras in its entire fleet of passenger vehicles.

Seven buses on randomly chosen routes have cameras that record high-quality video and audio. Each bus has 11 cameras, three outside and eight inside. A monitor mounted behind the driver allows riders to see themselves and their surroundings in real time.

The camera system will capture and store images, audio and vehicle data. MARTA police hope to be able to use that information to investigate crimes. MARTA says the data could also prove useful for resolving customer complaints and settling accident claims.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)