Dallas Area Rapid Transit Deploys Video Intrusion Detection System

  • Dec 01, 2010

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has deployed the SightLogix video intrusion detection system to provide perimeter security and prevent vandalism at the transit system’s Northwest Rail Operations Facility (NWROF). 

DART selected the SightLogix solution after a full and open competition, and Kratos Southwest LLC won the public bid for the DART contract. Key to the project’s success was the ability to meet an aggressive delivery schedule on time and within the available budget. Together with SightLogix, Kratos worked with a number of groups within DART to meet compliance requirements related to emergency preparedness, IT, and environmental safety.

SightLogix’ outdoor security performance and its ability to lower total project costs were critical factors in DART’s decision. By deploying long-range Thermal SightSensors, DART was able to complete the project using fewer cameras, reducing the number of poles, power and communications required.

These cost savings allowed DART to procure additional SightSensors within the available budget and extend the security system to cover the entire perimeter. Further cost savings were realized by deploying the SightLogix system over DART’s wireless network, and running a “green” power system from CDM Wireless that relies on solar energy and standby batteries, eliminating the costs to run power and network lines under nearby railroad tracks.

Based on this success, DART is moving ahead with other SightLogix projects.

“Protecting our critical facilities in this manner enables us to run a safe, secure system,” said Jill Shaw, emergency preparedness manager with DART. “With SightLogix’ automated surveillance technology, DART security personnel can preempt potential security policy violations in real-time to ensure the integrity of our rail system.”

“Rail organizations require security solutions that provide situational awareness over expansive outdoor areas,” said John Romanowich, SightLogix president and CEO. “SightLogix technology was specifically designed to provide situational awareness in these outdoor environments which include vibrations from train activity and lighting variations. We’re pleased to have been selected by DART after their thorough evaluation of our capabilities.”

Thermal SightSensors consist of a thermal imager, lens optics, electronic stabilization, on-board image processing, video analytics software, camera control and geospatial target tracking within a ruggedized NEMA 4X nitrogen-pressurized housing.

SightSensors detect objects at long range and operate with accuracy in the dark, a key consideration at the DART site which has limited and variable lighting at night. Due to SightLogix’ open standards approach, video and alarm information was easily integrated for display onto the existing Genetec Video Management System, minimizing the training and support for the DART personnel who were already familiar with the Genetec system. Also, the SightLogix system’s efficient use of bandwidth allowed DART to deploy CDM’s wireless network, realizing further project savings.

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