Prismatica: a Multi-sensor Surveillance System for Public Transport Networks

Public transport systems play a vital role in the daily life of all citizens. There is a recognised need to shift transport patterns of usage from private means to public means as this has beneficial effects in terms of the environment, reduced road-related deaths and general quality of life. Public transport environments are complex ones involving a large number of people (passengers and staff), control management and procedures. One of the many factors that play against increased patronage is related with personal security aspects, both real and perceived. To understand what these factors are and to propose technical, operational and social solutions, the project PRISMATICA (“PRoactive Integrated systems for Security Management by Technological, Institutional and Communication Assistance”) was funded by the European Commission, involving important European transport operators (London, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Prague and Lisbon), research institutions, manufacturers and transport consultants.