Even as city police officers feel CCTV cameras on MTC buses would serve as a deterrent to crime, senior Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) officials said there were plans to install cameras on more buses.
However, other sources in the corporation noted that some of the devices do not work properly.
The MTC has a fleet of over 3,500 buses and carries over 50 lakh passengers every day.
ADVERTISEMENT
As on date, cameras have been installed in a few buses on ten bus routes, including 29 C and 45 B.
“We do not have live monitoring, but have a recording facility. The footage is stored and will be taken out only if there is any controversy such as misbehaviour by bus crew or incidents of theft,” said an MTC official.
MTC also has plans to install the equipment in more buses. “This will be done only after elections. The cameras can prevent misbehaviour by the bus crew, harassment of women and crime. It will even come in handy to detect instances of college students creating a ruckus in the buses and irresponsible behaviour such as footboard travel by students,” added the official. Meanwhile, MTC sources note that the cameras do not function properly in buses on some routes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Defunct
“They are not maintained properly. Like the digital display boards, some of the cameras have also become defunct,” said a source.
The city police officers feel the CCTV cameras will be very helpful at this juncture when attention diversion gangs are striking frequently.
“In Bangalore, most government buses have CCTV cameras and they are maintained well. Our transport corporations should also do the same,” said a police officer.