OC Transpo studying driver-facing cameras on buses in response to coroner's inquest
OC Transpo is exploring the idea of installing driver-facing cameras on the existing bus fleet, but staff warn installing the cameras will have 'significant budgetary pressures.'
The jury at the coroner's inquest into the fatal 2019 OC Transpo bus crash at Westboro Station made 60 recommendations aimed at improving safety and bus operator training, including installing operator-facing cameras on all buses 'to be used for safety purposes.'
In a report for the Transit Committee meeting on Thursday, staff said OC Transpo agrees with the recommendation to install cameras on buses and is now evaluating how to roll out the program.
'A robust policy/program will be developed and will ensure appropriate protections for employees' privacy,' says the report. 'Currently, all buses purchased since 2016 are equipped with CCTV cameras which staff may be able to adjust to adopt a wide -angle view that would include the operator. Older buses do not currently have cameras; however, staff will explore the feasibility of retrofitting the existing fleet.'
A policy for cameras will be similar to the one that exists for voice and video recorder use on the O-Train.
Staff say OC Transpo will conduct research into the recommendations for driver-facing cameras on buses, consult with all stakeholders and unions, and conduct a 'technical analysis on how to retrofit the existing fleet.'
A report on the possible rollout of cameras on buses and the potential costs will be presented to the Transit Committee in the third quarter.
OC Transpo also agrees with the recommendation from the coroner's inquest to investigate operator-facing cameras or other technological options that would allow for real-time feedback to transport operators 'regarding potential distraction, fatigue and unsafe driving behaviour.'
Of the 60 recommendations from the coroner's inquest, 41 are directed at the City of Ottawa. The report says that based upon the initial review of the recommendations, four have already been implemented, 14 are in the process of being implemented and 23 recommendations require further analysis.
One of the recommendations from the inquest was for the City of Ottawa to have a 'dedicated fleet of training buses,' saying it would 'ensure there is equal opportunity to train on all types of buses in service and during all hours where service may be offered.'
The report says that 'given the current shortage of buses in the OC Transpo fleet, this recommendation cannot be implemented at this time.' OC Transpo says a reliable fleet will not be available until the final three months of 2027 as new buses enter the fleet.
Staff are also working on the recommendation to lower the speed limits on approaches to the Transitway stations.
'An analysis of the cost and impacts on customers' travel experience and on operations of installing physical countermeasures and the removal of station canopies is conducted,' staff said.
'The Transitway stations identified in the inquiry are specific to the Southeast Transitway from Hurdman to South Keys stations and the Southwest Transitway from Baseline to Barrhaven Centre stations.'
The recommendations that have already been implemented included the city ensuring appropriate snow removal on the approach to transit stations along the Transitway and the city including comprehensive training focused on the risks associated with distraction, fatigue and other human factors in the New Bus Operator Training Program.
The coroner's inquest examined the deaths of Judy Booth, Bruce Thomlinson and Anja Van Beek when their double-decker bus crashed into a bus shelter overhang at Westboro Station on Jan. 11, 2019.
None of the 60 recommendations to the City of Ottawa and the Ontario government are binding.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Ted Raymond
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