AI cameras will flag ‘problematic behavior’ in New York subways, MTA says
The Metropolitan Transit Authority will deploy cameras powered by artificial intelligence to help the agency flag bad behavior throughout New York City’s subway system, the authority’s security chief said this week.
MTA Chief Security Officer Michael Kemper on Monday told the MTA board’s safety committee he’s “exploring” the use of cameras to detect “problematic behavior on our subway platforms.”
“With advancements and technology, along with the support of our partners in IT, we can share, internally and externally, and with our enforcement partners, including the NYPD, as we work to secure our transportation system,” Kemper said.
Kemper said the transit agency plans to expand camera coverage across the subway system, equipping all conductor cabs with cameras and expanding coverage, especially on its Metro-North Railroad.
He said MTA is working with AI companies to deploy predictive tools that would analyze security camera footage in real time to notify the NYPD. He said the technology will not use facial recognition.
“By identifying suspects and capturing crimes on video, they offer us answers to questions, letting us know what exactly occurred,” Kemper said. “They offer MTA leadership and our law enforcement partners real time situational awareness on current events, planned and unplanned, including weather emergencies, protest conditions, crowd conditions, vehicular collision effects and so on.”
Kemper’s remarks are in line with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s efforts to create a safer environment throughout the subway system.
Hochul on Monday announced state legislators had settled key items in the state budget, including investing $77 million to station police officers on every overnight subway train, installing platform barriers and LED lighting and allocating $25 million for welcome centers to connect homeless people with services.
