Rail Runner Enhances Safety & Awareness with New Video and Event Recorder Monitoring System

New System Helps Train Operators Identify Potential Trouble Spots

(Albuquerque, NM – June 24, 2008) –A new monitoring system has been installed on the New Mexico Rail Runner Express that will provide the ability to see first-hand any trouble spots. Special cameras are now on the Rail Runner that synchronize video with data from the train’s event recorder and then make it available to view on a single downloadable file.

“This technology helps us in a number of ways”, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “Not only does it allow us to see how the train is operating, but it also gives us critical information on how motorists and pedestrians are conducting themselves near railroad tracks and crossings. Just having this kind of information as it relates to the operations of the Rail Runner will provide added safety in the corridor.” 

The system is comprised of two components: Wireless Processing Units (Wi-PU), and Railhead Digital Video Recorders. The dual components enable the two technologies to generate a single synchronized video file that contains event recorder data.

“This technology will allow us to go back and recreate a situation so that we can know  for sure exactly what happened on one of our trains”, says NM Secretary of Transportation Rhonda Faught. “It’s like having a second set of eyes around at all times to make sure safety practices are being followed”.

The system will be officially deployed on the entire Rail Runner fleet this week, providing the passenger line with enhanced safety, situational awareness and a higher level of customer service. A demonstration of the new monitoring system will take place on Tuesday, June 24^th at the Mid-Region Council of Governments.

Rail Runner Monitoring System Demo

Wednesday, June 25^th at 10:00 am
Mid-Region Council of Governments Board Room
809 Copper Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102

*Demonstration will be followed by an on-site photo opportunity at the Rail Runner Station in Downtown Albuquerque at 11:00

Contacts: 

• Augusta Meyers, MRCOG Communications Mgr. 505-239-8612, ameyers@mrcog-nm.gov
• S.U. Mahesh, NM Department of Transportation (505) 490-0976

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