Bus Passengers Get The Picture on Safety

Travel West Midlands is putting passengers in the picture by investing in 18 brand new buses fitted with TV screens - and they are all set to promote safety as part of Operation Safer Travel.The new Volvo B7 Wrightbus Gemini easy access double deck buses will incorporate the latest ’Generation 3’ CCTV and Multimedia system from CrystalEyes, a company based in Sunbury-upon-Thames.Jack Henry, Travel West Midlands’ Engineering Director, said: "Each of the new buses will be fitted with two large TV screens - one upstairs and one downstairs - which will show live images from the CCTV cameras on the bus. In effect, passengers will be able to see themselves as CCTV records them on their journey. The system will also provide passenger information which includes news."The Company is planning to invest £2 million in this new technology which will play a vital role in the Operation Safer Travel partnership with West Midlands Police. Stuart Henry, Operation Safer Travel Co-ordinator at TWM, said: "The idea of having images displayed on buses is to further enhance safety and security. Everyone travelling on the bus fitted with these TV screens will know exactly what is happening throughout their journey and this will assist the driver if any incidents do occur."The 18 new buses, due to be delivered at the end of 2003, will be operating in the South Area of Birmingham on routes 72 and 31. Andre Murray from CrystalEyes said: "This is the first time this system has been installed on a modern production bus. It combines sophisticated digital CCTV capabilities with a powerful information display system using two large flat screens - one in each saloon. I am sure that the benefits from a safety point of view will be immense."1 - The 72 service runs between Solihull and Chelmsley Wood via Sheldon and Marston Green2 - The 31 service runs between Birmingham City Centre and Hall Green via Sparkhill and Gospel Oak3 - The first of the vehicles fitted with this system will be on display at the Coach & Bus 2003 Show at the National Exhibition Centre from Tuesday 23rd September until Thursday 25th September 2003 (Hall 20)4 - CrystalEyes Ltd are based in Middlesex and can be contacted on 01932 772 800 or enquries@crystaleyes.co.uk5 - Operation Safer Travel is a joint partnership between Travel West Midlands and West Midlands Police promoting safer travel on buses and aiming to reduce and combat crime and anti-social behaviour

Published 24th September 2003